In a significant shift aimed at reducing the overemphasis on academic grades, junior colleges (JCs) in Singapore will no longer disclose detailed A-Level examination results to their students from 2025. This decision aligns with the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) broader initiative to promote holistic development and well-rounded student growth.
JCs to Stop Sharing Cohort Performance Data
The change was announced jointly by the principals of all 17 JCs and Millennia Institute. Previously, schools would share statistics such as the percentage of distinctions, the number of students who attained at least three H2 distinctions, and subject-specific performance metrics. However, starting from 2025, this information will no longer be disclosed to students during result briefings or on school websites.
A Shift Towards Holistic Student Development
According to Mr. Aaron Loh, Principal of Raffles Institution, this move signals the education system’s commitment to valuing students’ holistic development rather than focusing solely on academic performance. Mr. Pang Choon How, Principal of Nanyang Junior College, also emphasized that schools will now highlight students’ personal growth, resilience, and contributions to the community instead of exam performance data.
Impact on Students and Reactions
The decision has received mixed reactions from students.
- Ms. Danelle Kaylee Bacomo, an 18-year-old student from National Junior College, welcomed the move, stating that it reduces pressure and competition among peers.
- However, Mr. Kayden See from Eunoia Junior College expressed disappointment, arguing that cohort statistics help students gauge their performance and set academic goals.
A-Level Results 2024: Key Highlights
Despite the new policy, the MOE and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) provided an overview of the 2024 A-Level results:
- A total of 10,889 candidates took the 2024 A-Level exams.
- 94.2% (10,255 students) achieved at least three H2 passes and a pass in General Paper or Knowledge and Inquiry.
- The performance is consistent with previous years, with 93.9% achieving the same benchmark in 2023.
Future Pathways for A-Level Graduates
For students exploring higher education and career opportunities, the MOE has outlined various options:
- Autonomous Universities (AUs) applications are open online, eliminating the need for hard-copy submissions.
- Polytechnic admissions for A-Level graduates allow for module exemptions in about 135 courses, potentially reducing study duration by up to one year.
- Students can seek career guidance through the MySkillsFuture portal or consult ECG (Education and Career Guidance) counselors for advice.
Education Minister’s Endorsement
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing expressed his support for the new policy, emphasizing that schools should prioritize students’ overall growth rather than focusing on narrow academic benchmarks. He highlighted the importance of this change in reinforcing a more inclusive definition of success.
Conclusion
As Singapore moves towards a more balanced education system, the decision to withhold detailed A-Level performance data marks a significant step in reducing academic stress and promoting holistic development. While opinions on the change vary, the overarching goal remains clear: to foster a learning environment where students are valued beyond their grades.
