Last Updated: 27 May 2021
Subjects for Express course
Express has two programmes: O-Level and Integrated. The GCE O-Level programme is a 4-year course leading to the GCE O-Level examination. The integrated programme is a 6-year course leading to the GCE A-Level examination or International Baccalaureate Diploma or NUS High School Diploma. Students in the Integrated Programme do not need to take the GCE O-Level examination in Secondary 4.
Subjects
Express course students study a set of compulsory subjects and can take optional subjects (also known as electives) at the upper secondary level (Secondary 3 onwards).
Compulsory subjects include English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, Science and the Humanities.
Optional subjects are wide-ranging, and further nurture your child’s abilities. Some schools also offer applied subjects such as Computing, Exercise and Sports Science and Drama.
Your child’s interests may affect their school choice, as some subjects are only offered at certain schools.
Applied subjects
Some schools also offer applied subjects such as Computing, Exercise and Sports Science and Drama. Students can take these applied subjects as part of their O-Level subjects.
Your child’s interests may affect their school choice, as some subjects are only offered at certain schools.Look up schools
Syllabus
English Language
- 2020 English Language (Secondary — Express / Normal (Academic)) Syllabus
- 2010 English Language (Primary and Secondary – Express / Normal (Academic)) Syllabus
English Literature
- 2019 Literature in English (Lower and Upper Secondary) Syllabus
- 2013 Literature in English (Lower and Upper Secondary) Syllabus
Chinese Language
- 2021 Mother Tongue Languages (Secondary) Syllabus
- 2015 Chinese Special Programme (Secondary) Syllabus
- 2011 Chinese Language (Secondary) Syllabus
Chinese Literature
Malay Language
Malay Literature
Malay (Special Programme) – Malay as 3rd Language
Tamil Language
Tamil Literature
Computing
Design and Technology
Electronics
Food and Consumer Education
Science
- 2021 Science (Lower Secondary Express / Normal (Academic)) Syllabuses (for 2021 Secondary 1 students)
- 2013 Science (Lower Secondary Express / Normal (Academic)) Syllabuses (for 2021 Secondary 2 students)
Geography
- 2021 Lower Secondary Geography (for 2021 Secondary 1 students)
- 2014 Lower Secondary Geography (for 2021 Secondary 2 students)
- 2013 Geography Syllabus (Upper Secondary)
History
- 2021 History (Lower Secondary) Syllabus (for 2021 Secondary 1 students)
- 2014 History (Lower Secondary) Syllabus (for 2021 Secondary 2 students)
- 2013 History (Upper Secondary) Syllabus
Social Studies
Learn more about the approved textbook list.
Note:
- Students can seek admission to certain secondary schools based on their talents in sports, CCAs or specific academic areas. If this applies to your child, learn more about Direct School Admission for secondary schools (DSA-Sec).