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SINGAPORE – The Singapore School of Science and Technology (SST) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) will launch an Integrated Diploma (IDP) pilot program.
It is for students who are academically strong and show aptitude in applied science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem). They must also want to pursue a polytechnic education.
Under the program, SST students will progress directly to a Stem course in NP without having to sit at the O levels.
The IDP was announced by Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (November 17) at SST’s 10th anniversary celebrations, which took place virtually.
SST is a specialized independent school that offers a four-year secondary level O program, with a focus on applied learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, aesthetics, and mathematics.
The applied learning approach consists of connecting theoretical concepts with real-life applications.
There are three other independent specialized schools in Singapore: NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, School of the Arts, and Singapore Sports School.
Mr. Wong, in a speech Tuesday, said the IDP would allow students “more time and free space to engage in deeper applied learning, in a wider range of Stem fields.”
“This will include the opportunity to embark on longer-term culminating projects, where they can draw insights from different disciplines to tackle interesting challenges,” he added.
The Ministry of Education, SST and NP are working out the details of the pilot program.
To begin with, the IDP will involve about 50 SST students in each cohort and they will be selected at the end of Secondary 2.
On Tuesday, Wong praised SST for its role and accomplishments in applied Stem learning, noting that it started with two goals.
He said: “The first was to develop a strong, early pipeline of Stem talent that can help Singapore solidify our position as a competitive force in the global economy.
“The second was to nurture creators of the future who can contribute to society by turning their passion for applied technologies into reality.”
As 10 years roll, the school is on the cusp of its next phase of growth, and in a post-Covid world, the future is sure to be more disruptive, complex and uncertain, Wong added.
“We must do more to help our young people adapt and thrive in this new environment.
“This would require new and innovative learning methods to develop people not only with deep Stem experience, but also with other important qualities: adaptability and resilience, the willingness to keep learning, and the ability to initiate positive change in society.” said the minister.
The Singapore School of Sports also offers a continuous rail track for selected student-athletes.
They can skip the national exams and advance to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the customized Republic of Singapore Polytechnic School of Sports Diploma in Business, or the Singapore Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Sports Diploma of Business Studies personalized.
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