The Removal of Content-based A-level Subject from University Admission Score
A step towards a more holistic education system?
Or is Junior College easier now?
Summary of Changes
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced sweeping changes to the country’s A-level examinations in order to give students more freedom to explore their interests and allow adults to pursue lifelong learning.
The changes, which will take effect from 2026 (students enrolling in JC in 2025), include
- Not counting the fourth content-based subject for Junior College students in university admissions unless it improves their score
- Removing Project Work from the calculation of their university admission score (pass/fail)
- Gradually removing mid-year exams for JC and MI students from 2024
MOE has also clarified that JCs cannot implement additional school-based assessments after the removal of mid-year exams.
These changes mean that the maximum university admission score will be 70, down from the current 90.
Old: 3 H2 content (60RP) + 1 H1 contrast* (10 RP) + GP (10 RP) + PW (10 RP) = 90 RP
+ Higher Chinese/H1 Chinese if rank points improve when rebased to 90 RP
(*) or worst H2 if 4 H2 subject combination
New: 3 H2 content (60 RP) + GP (10 RP) = 70 RP [+ PW pass/fail]
1 H1 contrast would take on the current Higher Chinese/H1 Chinese rank point contribution – only added if rebased RP improves (not replacing GP)
Possible Implications
Since students are graded on less overall examinable components (and contribution to rank points / university admission score), here are the possible implications we expect for the 2026 A Level cohorts and above:
- Much harder 3 H2 content subject examinations
- Harder General Paper
- Steeper bell curve
- More perfect scorers (70 RP) – building up a more holistic portfolio (leadership, olympiads, H3 subjects, research, volunteering) to standout
- More competition for JCs with better facilities and access to resources (workshops, sport facilities, labs) for portfolio building
- Students with more access to tuition classes would fare better
In the current system, the key differentiators between the good students and the best students is usually only General Paper, PW and the H1 contrasting subject (See: Average RP across Junior Colleges).
Very often, we see students getting all A’s for their 3 H2 subjects, forming AAA. However, students often getting 88.75 rank points due to General Paper scoring B (tough luck), or in addition getting 87.50 rank points from getting B for their H1 contrasting subject as well (See: Study Tips from 90 RP scorer)
With the removal of PW & H1 contrasting subject, more emphasis and focus is placed on General Paper since it is a compulsory component. Previous Knowledge and Inquiry (KI) interested students would also have to take General Paper, increasing the rigour slightly.
Making A-level examinations easier nationwide will not necessarily make it easier for students to score well. This is because A-level grading is based on a bell curve, meaning that reducing the difficulty of the exams will only increase competition between the remaining subjects. For example, if everyone can score an average of five points higher, then the grades per score will also increase by five points.
While these changes seem to make A Levels much easier for the incumbent, it does place a greater weight on the remaining examinable content, and increases the penalty for screwing any one subject up.
Introduction
The Ministry of Education in Singapore has announced that the content-based A-level subject will be dropped from university admission scores. This decision has been made as part of the ministry’s plan to develop a more holistic education system.
In this article, we will explore what the content-based A-level subject is, why it is being removed, how this change will impact university admission scores, and the benefits of a more holistic education system.
What is the content-based A-level subject?
The content-based A-level subject, more widely known as the “contrasting H1 subject” is a subject that focuses on a contrasting content area (compared to the 3H2 subjects), such as H1 Economics for Science stream students, or H1 Math for Humanities stream students.
It is one of three subject groups that students in Singapore can choose to take as part of their A-level examinations. The other two subject groups are contrasting subjects and mother tongue.
Why is the content-based A-level subject being removed?
The Ministry of Education has decided to remove the content-based A-level subject as part of its plan to develop a more holistic education system. The current system places too much emphasis on academic results and memorization, and does not adequately develop the skills and qualities needed for the 21st century workplace.
By removing the content-based A-level subject, the ministry hopes to encourage students to develop a broader range of skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
How will the removal of the content-based A-level subject impact university admission scores?
Currently, students in Singapore are assigned a university admission score based on their A-level results.
The university admission score is calculated by adding up the scores for the three subject groups, with the content-based A-level subject accounting for 20% of the total score.
With the removal of the content-based A-level subject, the weightage of the other two subject groups will increase, and students will need to perform well in a broader range of subjects to secure a place in university.
What is the Ministry of Education’s plan for a more holistic education system?
The Ministry of Education’s plan for a more holistic education system is to shift the focus away from academic results and towards developing skills and qualities that are essential for the 21st century workplace. This includes skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
The ministry has introduced several initiatives to support this shift, such as the SkillsFuture initiative, which provides lifelong learning opportunities for Singaporeans.
How will the removal of the content-based A-level subject contribute to a more holistic education system?
The removal of the content-based A-level subject will encourage students to take a broader range of subjects and develop a wider range of skills. It will also reduce the emphasis on memorization and encourage students to think critically and creatively.
This change will support the Ministry of Education’s goal of developing a more holistic education system that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century workplace.
What are the benefits of a more holistic education system?
A more holistic education system has several benefits for students. It enables them to develop a broader range of skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication, which are essential for success in the modern workplace.
A more holistic education system also prepares students for lifelong learning and enables them to adapt to new and emerging technologies and industries.
Additionally, it promotes greater social and emotional well-being by encouraging students to develop their personal and interpersonal skills.
How will this change affect students?
The removal of the content-based A-level subject will require students to adapt to a new system of university admission scores. They will need to perform well in a broader range of subjects to secure a place in university.
However, this change will also provide students with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills and qualities that are essential for success in the 21st century workplace.
What can students do to adapt to the change?
Students can prepare for the change by taking a wider range of subjects and developing a broader range of skills. They can also participate in co-curricular activities and other programs that promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Additionally, they can seek guidance and support from their teachers and counselors to help them navigate the new system.
What can teachers do to adapt to the change?
Teachers can support the shift towards a more holistic education system by incorporating more project-based learning, collaborative activities, and other pedagogies that promote critical thinking, creativity, and communication. They can also provide guidance and support to students as they adapt to the new system of university admission scores.
What are the potential challenges in implementing a more holistic education system?
One of the main challenges in implementing a more holistic education system is ensuring that students are still able to achieve high academic standards while also developing a broader range of skills.
Additionally, there may be resistance to change from some stakeholders, such as parents, who are accustomed to the current system of university admission scores.
Conclusion
The removal of the content-based A-level subject from university admission scores is a step towards a more holistic education system that promotes the development of a broader range of skills and qualities. While this change may require some adjustment for students and teachers, it has the potential to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century workplace and promote greater social and emotional well-being.
FAQ
- Will the removal of the content-based A-level subject affect the quality of education in Singapore?
- No, the removal of the content-based A-level subject is not expected to have a significant impact on the overall quality of education in Singapore. Instead, it is a step towards a more holistic education system that promotes the development of a broader range of skills and qualities, which is essential for success in the modern workplace.
- How will the removal of the content-based A-level subject impact students who are interested in pursuing a career in a specific content area?
- The removal of the content-based A-level subject may require students to adapt to a new system of university admission scores. However, this change also provides students with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills and qualities that are essential for success in the 21st century workplace. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in a specific content area can still do so by taking relevant courses at university and pursuing internships or other work experience opportunities.
- Will the university admission process become more competitive with the removal of the content-based A-level subject?
- It is possible that the university admission process may become more competitive with the removal of the content-based A-level subject. However, this change is intended to promote a more holistic education system that prepares students for success in the modern workplace. Students who are able to demonstrate a broader range of skills and qualities will have an advantage in the new system of university admission scores.
- Will the removal of the content-based A-level subject affect the international recognition of Singapore’s education system?
- No, the removal of the content-based A-level subject is not expected to have a significant impact on the international recognition of Singapore’s education system. Singapore is known for its high-quality education system and its focus on developing a skilled and adaptable workforce. The shift towards a more holistic education system is in line with global trends and is likely to be viewed positively by international observers.
- How will the Ministry of Education ensure that students are still able to achieve high academic standards while also developing a broader range of skills?
- The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that students are able to achieve high academic standards while also developing a broader range of skills. This will be achieved through a range of measures, including the development of new curriculum and assessment frameworks, the provision of teacher training and support, and the promotion of co-curricular activities and other programs that promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. The Ministry of Education will also work closely with universities and employers to ensure that students are prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.
