O-level system has always been part of Singapore secondary education system. Over years the system has become exams-centric, used mainly as a grading system to differentiate the academic ability of students. Every year there are parents and students who would persistently explore ways to beat the O-level system. In recent years more and more parents are positioning their children to beat the O-level system at Primary school.
Beating O-Level System At Primary 6
Today there are 2 main education systems that allow parents to do away the O-level exams for their children. One is the 6-year Integrated Program (IP) leading to A-Level. The other is the 6-year International Baccalaureate (IB) program leading to Diploma.
Both programs are very successfully run in several schools, attracting strong competition among students. The main qualifying criteria for both programs are the Primary School Leaving Exams (PSLE). Typically, students with strong academic results at PSLE will compete for the IP Program. For those who are talented in sports or arts, they will aim for admission into the IB program under Singapore Sports School (SSP) and School Of The Arts (SOTA).
Direct School Admission (DSA) Exercise
Another less known approach of beating the O-level system is through DSA. DSA is offered at both Primary 6 and Secondary 4.
Unlike PSLE which is a nation-wide qualifying process, DSA is the direct admission of a student at local school level. Very often the decision making process involves only the school Principal, the Vice Principals, teachers-in-charge of CCA (Co-Curriculum Activities) and internal/external coaches of CCA. DSA is therefore a much more convenient avenue for parents to arrange direct-admission for their children secondary school. To gain admission into an IP school, the surest way is to work with a person who is familiar with the DSA process.
DSA Exercise At Junior College
DSA from secondary school to Junior College (JC) is also a local decision at JC level. In the same manner, secondary students can gain admission easily into their JC of choice through individuals who are familiar with the DSA process of the particular JC.
For students who are academically strong, beating the O-level system at Primary 6 would guarantee them a place in the top JC. Without IP and DSA, they stand less chance to be admitted into the top JCs. There are known cases of students with outstanding O-level results being denied entry into top JCs. In some cases, their O-level results are many times better than those who are directly admitted through DSA.
Why Beat The O-Level System
For the average Singapore students, beating the O-level system would allow them more time to study, understand, integrate and appreciate the concepts in their learning. In fact, all schools that have done away O-level exams are able to introduce enrichment programs for students to learn beyond the O-level system.
Many average students have their aspirations and dreams about what they want to do after secondary education. Given a choice, most of them would opt for a system that guarantee them a place in their dream-JC or dream-Poly. Under the O-level system, the only way to be assured of fulfilling their dream is to study hard and seek as much academic assistance from external tutors as possible.