WHEN Mr Adam Lua's son Fadrick failed his secondary one examinations the second time this year, he was convinced that the boy needs a change in learning environment.

On Wednesday, father and son attended the open house of Assumption Pathway School, Singapore's second school for less academically inclined students. Mr Lua said it might just be what his son needs to boost his self-confidence and learn work skills.

From January, Assumption Pathway will start taking in students aged between 13 and 16 who have failed the Primary School Leaving Examination.

It will also admit students who have dropped out of secondary schools. Modelled after the two-year-old NorthLight School, Assumption Pathway aims to give children a foundation in the basics and equip them with technical skills.

Principal Wee Tat Chuen signed memorandums of understanding with five companies on Wednesday. The partnerships will allow students to go through 250 hour-long industrial attachments over a period of four years.