EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE

The key objective of the mainstream education system in Singapore, administered by the Ministry of Education, is development of skills, character and values of the people of Singapore to assure their livelihoods and the country’s survival and success. This system is largely ability-driven, with a focus on quality and choices in learning. Various components and pathways in the system reflect diverse recognized needs beyond technical skills and content knowledge.

The major institutional elements of the system are the primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and universities. For the majority of students primary and secondary school education lasts 10 years, leading to O-Level certification. Junior colleges have two-year programmes to take O-Level holders to A-Levels, an entry qualification recognized by the three major universities in Singapore. Polytechnics conduct 3-year diploma programmes as pre-employment education for mainly the O-Level holders. Polytechnic diploma holders who have performed well usually gain direct entry to university undergraduate programmes at a senior level.  

The collection of diploma offerings at Republic Polytechnic (RP) addresses a wide scope, ranging from the traditional disciplines of engineering, sciences and technologies to interests in industry practices related to arts, sports, hospitality and leisure. Education at RP in these diverse disciplines, however, is by a unique approach, wherein education at polytechnic level is viewed as a broad initiation, and learning a natural act of gaining knowledge and skills that will help them function effectively in society and their chosen profession.