The O-level, short for “Ordinary Level,” is an academic qualification taken in several countries, including Singapore. It is typically taken by students at the end of their secondary education, which is usually around the age of 16.
In Singapore, the O-level examinations are administered by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). They are an important milestone for students as they play a crucial role in determining their eligibility for further education, such as enrolling in junior colleges, polytechnics, or other post-secondary institutions.
The O-level curriculum in Singapore covers a range of subjects, including languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. Students usually have the option to choose subjects based on their interests and career aspirations.
It’s worth noting that in recent years, Singapore has been transitioning from the O-level system to the GCE (General Certificate of Education) system, where students take the GCE N-level (Normal Level) examinations at the end of secondary education, followed by the GCE O-level examinations at a later stage for those who wish to pursue more advanced studies. This change provides students with more flexibility in their educational pathways.