Sec 2 Streaming: Which Subject Combination Should I Choose for O Levels

One of the most important parts of secondary school education is getting to choose your subject combination at the end of Secondary 2. Finally, you are able to choose the subjects you prefer to study! 

However, it can be quite difficult to make this decision. This article will provide parents with the information they need to help their children, as well as, some must-know tips to help the students make the best decision for themselves. 

What is Sec 2 Streaming? 

This process is where all Secondary 2 students have to choose their subject combinations for Upper Secondary. They will make the decision after they have received their end-of-year results. 

Students are given a chance to choose the subjects they would like to take for their O-Level and N-Level examinations. However, whether or not they get the subject combination of their choice will depend on their academic results relative to the whole cohort’s performance. 

Why is Sec 2 streaming important? 

Deciding on which subject combination to take in Upper Secondary is important as it can affect what you are eligible to take in Junior College and Polytechnics. 

For example, if you would like to take H2 Chemistry in JC, you will have to take chemistry at the O-Levels. If you would like to apply for Business Management in Poly, your Humanities subjects will be more important than your Science subjects at the O-Levels. 

You may be thinking, “But I still do not know where I want to go!” This does not mean that you will not be able to decide on your subject combination; you can choose a more common combination that allows you to get into most courses and take most subjects. 

Besides, choosing your subject combination is also important because it is an opportunity to choose the subjects you like or excel in to make your secondary school education more fun and enriching for you. 

It is like an opportunity to customise what you are going to learn! 

Subjects you can choose from: 

Different schools offer a different range of subjects you can choose from so it is best for you to check with your school. This list will include all the subjects available at the G.C.E O-Levels in Singapore. 

Language	Mathematics	Science	Humanities	Others
English	Elementary Mathematics	Pure Biology/ Physics/ Chemistry	Pure Literature in English/ Geography/ History	Design and Technology
Mother Tongue	Advanced Mathematics	Combined Science (Chem/Bio)	Combined Humanities (SS/Lit)	Food and Nutrition
Higher Mother Tongue	Principles of Accounts	Combined Science (Chem/ Phy)	Combined Humanities (SS/Geog)	Art
Mother Tongue B		Combined Science (Bio/Phy)	Combined Humanities (SS/His)	Music
Third Language			Combined Humanities (SS/Lit in MT)	Higher Music/Art
				Drama
				Computing
				Electronics

Tips to help you choose the best subject combination for yourself! 

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#1 Think about where you want to go after Secondary School.  

This is linked to my previous point above, but yes! This is a practical way to help you choose your subject combination. If you already know that you want to take up a science-related module in Polytechnic, it is best for you to search up their subject requirements and ensure that you meet them. 

This will prevent an event where you realise that you cannot go through with your choices in your Post-secondary institution due to your subject combination. 

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#2 What are your strengths and weaknesses? 

Now is the opportunity for you to drop the subjects you are bad in! It is difficult for many to excel in all subjects. Naturally, some students may be more humanities-inclined while others are more science-inclined. You should evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses to decide on the best subject combination for you. Knowing your weaknesses can prevent you from taking a subject that you may end up struggling with. 

Choosing a subject you are strong in can help you further develop your skills and interests in the subject. This can also help you decide on the best combination for you to score well in the O Levels. 

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#3 What do you enjoy learning?   

Having said that, scoring well for O Levels is not the only factor to consider. Excelling during the examinations and learning are two very different things. With so much emphasis on getting good grades, sometimes we may get jaded and forget the whole point of receiving an education. 

At the end of the day, we attend school in order to learn and broaden our perspectives. It is for us to be equipped with the necessary knowledge needed for us to lead our lives. 

Different people have different interests. Listening to your own preferences and choosing what you enjoy learning can help you reap longer-term results and direct you on the path towards a future and career that is the most suited for you. 

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#4 What are your academic results like? 

While we are finally given the opportunity to choose, we are still bound by our academic results. As mentioned earlier, whether or not you get the subjects you’ve chosen will depend on the demand for the subject and your results relative to the other people who’ve indicated for the same subject combination as you. 

Not only does taking your results into consideration help you evaluate your chances of getting the subject combination, but it is also a way to distinguish which subjects you are better at. This can indicate what you are more inclined to which helps you to choose the best subjects for you. 

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#5 Don’t just take the combination that seems the most “prestigious”.  

Have you heard people saying: 

“Wow you are taking triple science? You are so smart!” 

“Triple science is the best combination!” 

There is no such thing as the “best” or the “worst” subject combination. This is a myth that is prevalent in Singapore. Triple Science students take Triple Science not because they are smarter than others but simply because they excel in Science subjects more than Humanities subjects. They are students who are more inclined to Science! 

Yes, it may be true that in an event where there are many science-inclined students who want to take triple science but there are limited spots, the spots will go to students with better results. That is still not a way to label triple science students as smarter than the rest. Someone’s intelligence should not be measured by the subjects that they take. 

Do not aim to take the “best” combination or the one that “everyone wants” because if it is not your cup of tea, you will not have a good time drinking it. You may be able to get into the combination and feel good about yourself, but if that is not where your interests lie, the next two years are just going to be painful mugging. 

Therefore, aim for things you like or are good at! 

Hopefully all these tips will come in handy and help you make the best decision for yourself. There is no “right” combination to choose which might be what is making this a tough decision. Just listen to yourself and gauge your own ability. With that, you will not regret your decision.

If you need any academic help along the way, remember to turn to Snapask — all you have to do is open the app, snap a picture, and start learning!

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