Would someone please explain Singapore's education system?

Maledictus SG

I'm moving to Singapore soon and I've been looking at the topics on this forum and everyone uses all these acronyms that I don't know. I can't seem to figure it all out... Confused could someone help me out here?

the.owl SG

primary school -> PSLE (primary school leaving examination) national exam.
Secondary school -> GCE O levels
junior college -> A levels

missqi SG

MUG MUG MUG.
ROTE LEARNERS GET FAR.
Laughing

mochou SG

sorry owl, add something to your post.

primary school -> PSLE (primary school leaving examination) national exam.
Secondary school -> GCE O levels
(After GCE O levels, choose from a few path depending on your result and personal preference)

A. junior college -> A levels -> University(You get a degree in XXXXXX)
B. Polytechnic(You get a Diploma in XXXXXX)
C. ITE
D. Ohter private schools.

LinYu SG

3 year old - playschool (not complusory)
4-5 years old - kindergarten K1 & K2
6 years old onward - Primary 1 to Primary 6 (complusory)
after Primary 6 take Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE) and will post to Secondary School if pass PSLE

Once secondary school depending on results, may be direct to Junior College without taking GCE 'O' level. but for ordinary

Secondary 1 to 4 or 5 depending on results
take O level at secondary 4 or N level at sec 4 and O level at Secondary 5

for N level if result OK proceed to sec 5 to take 'O' level. if not go Institute of Technical Education (ITE) - study engineering or specialise subject. certificate is suppose to be lower than diploma.

for O level may proceed to Junior College (JC) to take GCE 'A' level or ploytechnic to take engineering or other specialised subject (diploma)

for 'A' level if result is OK go University. Diploma holder may also go Univeristy with good result

club18 SG

short term or long term..
short term i suggest go for international schs.
our local system is not really that good for kids..
the path is set up for you right from the start.
also the system is too certificate-based.
little freedom to choose really what u want to do.

Bontakun SG

The academic system in Singapore gears you towards academic excellence and towards civil service sector. Very seldom is the govt-related Universities and polytechnics will train you to think independantly and enterprising.

CoolMyth SG

http://www.moe.gov.sg/corporate/education_system.htm

LinYu SG

Laughing one sentence is worth my one para