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Take fewer subjects in upper secondary, have more time for personal interests
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Tanjong Katong Girls' School Secondary 2 student Isabelle Poon plans to take seven subjects in 2026.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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- From 2028, JC admission requires five subjects instead of six. Secondary 2 students in 2025 are the first cohort to be impacted.
- Schools are expanding subject options, offering six- to eight-subject combinations, giving students more flexibility.
- Students and parents appreciate the reduced academic pressure, allowing time for hobbies, family and community service.
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SINGAPORE – Secondary 2 student Ryan Kee had already decided to take eight subjects in Secondary 3, including the three sciences, when he heard about a new directive encouraging students to take seven subjects instead.
With the number of subjects required for junior college (JC) admission reduced from six to five in 2028, students are encouraged to take one fewer subject in upper secondary and use the freed-up time to pursue other interests.
