Whether you’re a student, or a parent of a student aspiring to enter Junior College (JC), understanding the subjects offered—and how to choose the right ones—can be confusing, to say the least. While it might seem logical to select your JC first and decide on subjects later, it’s actually a better strategy to start by considering your subject combination. This choice will shape your academic experience, workload, and future opportunities after graduation.
This article will first cover the basics, including subject requirements and the differences between H1, H2 and H3 subjects, before going into the various streams and subject combinations they offer.
A-Level Subject Requirements
The GCE A-Level curriculum offers students the freedom to select their subjects, but there are still certain mandatory subject requirements to follow. Students must take at least three H2 subjects and one H1 subject, with one of the H2 subjects coming from a contrasting discipline. For example, arts students must choose at least one science or math subject. The term “subject combination” refers to a student’s choice of four content-based subjects.
Other compulsory elements include one H1 Mother Tongue, H1 Project Work, and H1 General Paper. Students who achieve a raw L1R5 aggregate score of 10 points or better, and 8 points or more in four relevant O-Level subjects, can opt for four H2 content-based subjects. The lowest-scoring subject will then be considered as H1 for the final A-Level score calculation.
Only students who have successfully passed their Higher Mother Tongue Language (HTML) in Secondary School can be exempt from taking H1 Mother Tongue.
Understanding H1, H2 and H3
JCs offer subjects at different levels, categorised as H1, H2 and H3. The numbers beside the ‘H’ indicate how advanced a subject is, with higher numbers representing a higher level of difficulty. Students typically choose between H1 and H2, while H3 is reserved for more academically inclined students who wish to further set themselves apart. This might be a consideration for those targeting specific universities.
The national exams for H1 subjects are held at the end of the second year of JC (JC2), except for H1 Mother Tongue Language and H1 Project Work, which are taken at the end of the first year of JC (JC1).
Science Stream
The science stream is one of the two main streams offered in Junior College. It requires students to take two science subjects, one mathematics subject, and one arts subject. While the science stream primarily prepares students for STEM-related university courses like engineering, medicine, life sciences, and computer science, it doesn’t strictly limit students to these fields.
Possible Combinations
Most students in the science stream typically choose a combination of BCME (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics) or PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics). These combinations are versatile and provide qualifications for entry into most university courses while maintaining a balanced workload. Economics functions as the contrasting subject in a science stream combination. Subjects like Geography, History or Literature in English are less popular as contrasting subjects.
It is important to note that H2 Chemistry is required for many university courses, so it should be prioritised. You may also consider substituting Biology or Physics with another subject in the same category, such as Computing.
Arts Stream
The arts stream is another common option for Junior College. This route involves three humanities subjects alongside one science or mathematics subject, usually mathematics. This stream mainly prepares students for courses related to political science, psychology, business, the arts and more.
Possible Combinations
The dominant subject combinations for the arts stream are HELM (History, Economics, Literature, Mathematics) and GELM (Geography, Economics, Literature, Mathematics). Students are typically advised against taking both History and Geography, as both have heavy content. However, you have the option to replace one of your humanities subjects with Art, China Studies in English, Music, or others.
While H2 Math is not compulsory for all JC students, it is recommended to take it for a broader base of learning, compared to opting for a more specialised science subject such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Hybrid Stream
Some schools allow what is known as hybrid combinations, which is an equal mix of both science and arts subjects, namely two science/math subjects and two arts subjects. Research is needed to identify which schools offer the specific subject combination you want, despite hybrid options being available.
Possible Combinations
Hybrid combinations are quite unconventional, offering a wide range of possibilities based on the school’s offerings. One example could be combining Mathematics and Chemistry with Geography and Economics.
However, a downside to having a hybrid combination is that your schedule may not be optimised to suit you. The timetable is often designed to accommodate students following more common paths, which can lead to long breaks between lessons or, conversely, back-to-back lessons with little to no breathing room. Despite this, a hybrid combination can be a great choice if you are passionate about both areas.
Full List of Subjects
Life Skills
Life Skills form a part of the non-academic curriculum in JC. This includes Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) programmes and Physical Education (PE).
Knowledge Skills
Knowledge Skills encompass the compulsory H1 subjects, such as General Paper (GP) and Project Work (PW). Students also have the option to replace GP with Knowledge and Inquiry.
Subject Disciplines
This refers to the area of study that students can choose from, covering a wide range of disciplines. These are broadly divided into languages, humanities and arts, and mathematics and sciences.
| Area of Study | Subjects (As Outlined by MOE) | |||
| Languages | • Mother Tongue Languages • Foreign Languages | |||
| Humanities and the Arts | •Art • China Studies in English • Economics • Geography • History • Literature in English • Management of Business • Mother Tongue Language and Literature • Music • Theatre Studies and Drama | |||
| Mathematics and Sciences | • Biology • Chemistry • Computing • Mathematics • Physics • Principles of Accounting | |||
Conclusion
Choosing the right subject combination for Junior College is key to shaping your academic path and future opportunities. Whether you’re going for the science, arts, or hybrid stream, understanding the subject requirements and difficulty levels will help you make a decision that works for you. With a bit of planning and serious consideration, you can pick subjects that match your interests and strengths, making for a natural and strong foothold.
Studious Minds is a renowned tuition centre in Singapore with a well-established reputation for helping JC students excel. If you have any doubts, whether about the available combinations or what each entails, feel free to reach out to our team here. We’re here to offer support, from finding the ideal fit for your career goals to helping you get a good grasp of A-Level content!
Alternatively, explore Studious Minds’ A-Level rates here.