Fewer O-level subjects for JC admission could ease pressure: Students, parents

But they say more guidance about long-term implications of subject choice will be needed

- Gabrielle Chan

Counting one less subject for the junior college (JC) admission score will help relieve a little academic pressure at the O levels, allowing students to explore other interests and prioritise their well-being.

That is what some students, parents and school leaders say about the change Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced on March 6.

Students will also have more flexibility in subject choices, they said, though more guidance and advice will be required to help them think about the long-term implications of their chosen subjects.

Mr Chan said during the Ministry of Education's (MOE) budget debate that from 2028, students applying for admission to JCs will need only five subjects instead of six at the O-level examinations.

Students must score 16 points or less for their L1R4 - one language and four relevant subjects - to qualify for JC admission. The current L1R5 system requires 20 points or less across six subjects.

With this change, Secondary 1 and 2 students said they would rethink the number of subjects to take, but had mixed views on whether fewer subjects would translate into less stress.

Zaki Zukifili, a 13-year-old Bukit View Secondary School student, was grateful for the change, saying: "I was not able to cope well during PSLE, and that was only four subjects."

He added that he would drop literature, as he prefers science subjects.

"With my free time, I hope to relax more and exercise. I can't be studying the whole day," he quipped.

Sec 2 student Olive Shirley, 14, echoed this, saying having fewer subjects "makes our lives easier" and reduces stress for both students and parents.

She plans to go to JC, but will drop subjects she is weaker at, like history.

However, Sec 1 student Ian Torrey said the rigour for him remains the same, even though JC admission will require one less subject.