It is the end of the year again, and for all Secondary two students, it is a crucial time as you are about to decide on what you will be studying for the next two years. Choosing the right subjects is extremely crucial as it would determine what you can study in your tertiary institutions.
I will not be elaborating on the subjects that are compulsory, but the ones I chose to study for and hopefully be of help to you in choosing the right subject combinations. For a heads-up, this is only my experience from the 2022 examination syllabus.
Additional Mathematics
A Math was not a struggle for me until Trigonometry and Calculus came into the picture. In some ways, it is easier compared to Elementary Math (E Math) as there is lesser analysis of the questions required, which was something I am weaker at. I have many classmates who has dropped the subject because of their inability to cope with the rigour. However, despite what others say, it is not all that daunting of a subject. If you are looking into entering a Junior College or certain Polytechnic courses, taking up A Math is highly recommended. However, if your mathematics foundation is really weak, please do reconsider taking up this subject.
Science (Chemistry)
This subject was initially imposed onto me by my school due to its importance in taking up Medicine and some other courses in the future, yet it wasn’t until the second semester of Secondary four did I begin my fondness for the subject. Although understanding the contents takes up a fair bit of the subject, memory work is almost equally as important, so do be prepared to memorize quite a fair bit as there are chapters that are very content heavy like the chapter on Air and Crude Oil. As it is part of the combined science syllabus, questions are still rather repetitive so doing past year papers would really help.
Science (Biology) (5077/5078)
Many struggles choosing between Biology and Physics, but for me it was a rather decisive conclusion: Biology. A friend of mine had introduce the anatomy and functions of the heart back in Secondary 1, which instantly piqued my interest in this part of science. Personally, I love the human and microorganism bits of Biology, but do note that plants also constitute part of the syllabus. As you may have probably heard, Biology is a very content heavy subject so do be prepared to memorize a lot. There is no loophole in memorizing for Biology.
Humanities (Social Studies)
Despite what many say about Social Studies being “Lower Secondary History”, I beg to differ. Personally, Social Studies felt more like learning about Singapore’s Politics and comparing that with other countries. It is in a more modern perspective compared to Lower Secondary History. Albeit there are source-based skills that is transferable from Lower Secondary History. However, if you’re well read, then there is little to no need to memorize anything. (But if I am honest, I re-learnt everything in Upper Secondary, so it really makes no difference)
Humanities (History)
If you like war, violence or anything along those lines, you should consider History. Almost every chapter in the syllabus involves war or something similar, so studying Something I especially love about the syllabus is the essay-based Questions: To me, it feels like a logical argument to convince the other party on my stand of the topic (the question). Of course, memorizing content is inevitable in this subject as well.
Geography (2236)
If you love to draw and are interested in the rationale behind why the world is as it is today, then this is something you should consider studying. In Geography, there are diagrams that is part of the physical Geography chapters like Coasts and Tectonic Plates that requires you to draw and label simple diagrams. In Geographical Investigation too, sometimes you are tasked to sketch and briefly label a given picture. So, if you are looking to avoid Art, then maybe you should also reconsider taking this subject. There are some very vague scientific concepts that is taught in this syllabus too, so do take note of that. This is also one of the other very content heavy subjects so do be prepared to memorize again. In fact, I’d say a chunk of this subject is all about memorizing.
Between History and Geography, if you prefer to memorize something “Story-like”, then you should choose History. However, if you prefer to memorize facts, names and statistics, then Geography might be a more intelligent choice for you.
Ultimately, my advice is to choose what you like best rather than what you perform best in (Unless you are struggling with grasping the contents of the subject even at lower Secondary). Do not let other people’s opinions sway your decision making and go with your heart.
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