JC admission system recognises students’ holistic achievements

We Thank Mr Dinesh Subramaniam for Sharing His Views About the Junior College (JC) Admission Criteria and Impact of Bonus Points on Cut-Off Points (Low Cut-Off Points Signal Need to Rethink JC Entry System, Feb 20).

The JC admission system is designed to recognise students' holistic achievements, alongside their academic outcomes. In line with this, bonus points are awarded for co-curricular activities (CCAs) and selected language programmes to recognise our students' diverse achievements in these areas.

CCA bonus points encourage students' development of character, leadership skills, and talents outside the classroom. These experiences are important in the holistic development of our students, and in preparing them for life.

Bonus points for Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL) encourage students to achieve their fullest potential in the learning of their official Mother Tongue Language (MTL). This is because bilingualism is a cornerstone of our education system and core to our national identity. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has and will continue to facilitate all eligible students' access to HMTL lessons. While HMTL lessons are not offered in all schools, students can attend HMTL lessons at designated centres.

We have also expanded access to HMTL so that more students can offer the subject in secondary schools. From 2026, students who do well in MTL at the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) can offer HMTL at Secondary 1, regardless of their overall PSLE score. This enables those with a flair for language to deepen their learning even if they are weaker in other subjects. Beyond the PSLE, students can also be nominated to offer HMTL based on their secondary school performance.

Beyond HMTL, we also award bonus points to support and recognise the learning of our official languages in other forms. For instance, students whose mother tongue is another language can offer the Chinese or Malay Special Programme, and they can also receive up to two bonus points. This reflects our commitment to encourage all students to develop proficiency in Singapore's official languages, regardless of their background.

We assure Mr Dinesh that MOE remains committed to ensuring our educational pathways remain accessible to students in an inclusive and equitable manner.

William Lim
Divisional Director, Planning
Ministry of Education