Preparatory Course for Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)

The Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level) Examination is conducted annually in Singapore and is jointly conducted by the Cambridge Assessment International Education, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB).

This examination will be conducted for students at the end of their fourth (for Express Stream) or fifth (for Normal Academic Stream) year in secondary school, mostly at ages 16-17, and is the equivalent to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination taken by students in the United Kingdom.

Furen International School offers the Preparatory Course for Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examinations for students age 12 and above. This course prepares students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examinations are conducted to equip them with critical thinking and comprehensive skills set for pursuing college level education or for future career developments. Students who obtain at least a Grade 6 or better in one or more subjects will receive a Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) from the joint authority of Cambridge and Ministry of Education (MOE). Those with good results can look forward to pursuing a polytechnic or other form of tertiary education in Singapore or overseas.

Core Modules

English Language

This module aims to enable students to communicate effectively in English. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to listen, read, write and speak to meet general living needs. They are also expected to speak, write and make presentations in internationally acceptable English for academic purposes.

Elementary Mathematics

This module is intended to provide students with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills. It aims to develop the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for continuous learning in Mathematics and related disciplines, and for the applications to the real world. By developing students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving skills, they are expected to apply these skills to solve problems with logical reasoning and judgement.

Additional Mathematics

This module aims to prepare students for future General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) (GCE A-Level) Mathematics which requires a strong foundation in algebraic manipulation skills and mathematical reasoning skills. Along with Elementary Mathematics, these 2 modules are intended to equip students with the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for continuous learning in Mathematics and related discipline.

Combined Science (Physics/Chemistry)

This module will enable students to acquire understanding and knowledge in the area of science (physics and chemistry). By providing a worthwhile educational experience, students are expected to develop the ability and skills that are relevant to study and practice of science which are useful in everyday life. The module will also aid in the development of the right attitude to appreciate accuracy, precision, objectivity and integrity. Students are expected to show economic consideration and concern about the social, environmental, health and safety issues relating to the chemical industry and to recognize the usefulness and limitations of scientific methods.

Elective Modules

Chinese Language

This module aims to provide students with the necessary language ability to interact with people around them. Students will be able to understand what others are saying and provide appropriate and in-depth responses; read and understand abstract topics; detect and infer messages from written texts; differentiate and discuss various styles of writing; and handle a wide range of formal writing.

Principles of Accounts

This module aims to develop an understanding of the principles and concepts of accounting and their applications in a wide range of business situations. Students will acquire basic knowledge in double entry and develop the ability to prepare, present, analyse and interpret financial statements.

Literature in Chinese

This module aims to develop the literary skills to appreciate Chinese poetry and articles for students with a strong interest in exploring Chinese culture. During the course of study, students will be guided to understand and analyse both traditional and modern style of literary works. Students are expected to have a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture and are able to better appreciate various types of literary works from different era.

Biology

This module is designed to have great emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. It aims to provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical Biology, and serves as a basic understanding for the students, irregardless of whether they want to study this topic in depth. In addition, it also enables them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to be suitably prepared for studies beyond Ordinary Level in Biology, in applied sciences or in science related courses.

Physics

This module provides students with a coherent understanding of energy, matter, and their inter-relationships. It focuses on investigating natural phenomena and then applying patterns, models (including mathematical ones), principles, theories and laws to explain the physical behaviour of the universe. The theories and concepts presented in this syllabus are categorised under a branch of physics commonly referred to as classical physics. Modern physics, developed to explain the quantum properties at the atomic and sub-atomic level, is built on the knowledge of these classical theories and concepts.

Chemistry

This module is designed to place less emphasis on factual materials and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. This approach has been adapted in recognition of the need for students to develop skills that will be of long term value in an increasingly technological world rather than focusing on large quantities of factual materials, which may have only short term relevance.

Scope of Study

All lessons will be conducted following the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) O-Level syllabus.

Duration

This is a 24-month full-time course with all lessons held on campus. There are 6 contact hours per school day, 5 days per week for a total of 30 contact hours per week.

*Fee includes subsidized academic-related learning experience in Singapore. Fee includes English remedial lesson during night-study. FIS is providing both Medical Insurance as per regulatory requirement and Outpatient Coverage at no extra charge (terms & conditions apply; refer to www.fis.edu.sg for more details)

**S$500 for international student and S$260 for Singapore Citizen/ PR/DP/ Local Transfer Student (Fee includes the following: airport pick-up service for student and ONE parent/guardian, medical check-up, attending to ICA matters, administration charge for external exam registration and 1-day university tour)