Take the subjects you are good at

You should be taking subjects that you are good at.

If you are good in “calculation” and “numbers”, then you should lean towards subjects such as mathematics, the sciences and business. These subjects will require more applications and an onsite analysis of information.

If you are adept in “writing”, “articulating ideas” and “argumentation”, then you should lean towards subjects such as the humanities which comprises of history, geography, economics and literature. These subjects will require more memory work, a deep understanding of ideas presented and an in-depth analysis of all arguments based on the given facts.

Entry requirements for further Education

The next consideration would be your personal aim or objective in taking the GCE O or A level. Naturally, the answer would be for you to be able to further your education.

The entry requirements for JCs and Polytechnics demand that students pass their GCE O level English and Mathematics. For the qualification to a JC, a pass in the mother tonguage language is a requirement.

The entry requirements for the local universities require applicants to pass their General Paper (English), mother tongue language and mathematics for most of their courses.

In short, English and Mathematics are two very important subjects. If you are weak in them, you should consider taking up English tuition and/or Maths tuition to build up your foundational knowledge.

Taking GCE in 2 bites

The entry requirements for JCs and Polytechnics allow students to take the GCE O level in 2 separate sittings. It would thus be advisable for students to sit for the subjects they are stronger in the first year and the weaker ones in the second year. The reason is that you are giving yourself a longer runway to build up your core understanding of your weaker subjects. Students typically take up secondary tuition by joining the secondary 3 classes in the first year and secondary 4 classes in the following year.

The entry requirements for the local universities require applicants to sit for GP and three H2 subjects in one sitting. Hence, you can do it over 2 years by clearing the H1 subject and mother tongue language in the first year. Similarly, A level tuition students can take up JC tuition by joining the JC 1 classes in the first year and JC 2 classes in the subsequent year.