ADMISSION TO JUNIOR COLLEGES OR POLYTECHNICS

ADMISSION TO JUNIOR COLLEGES OR POLYTECHNICS

32.

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Education (a) in 2007, how many 'O' level students with perfect scores could not be admitted to junior colleges or polytechnics of their choice; and (b) what steps will the Ministry take to avoid such situations.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: Students take different numbers of GCE 'O' Level subjects, with most taking six to nine. So for the purpose of answering the Member's question, I will define a GCE 'O' Level student with "perfect score" as one with the best possible L1R5 score of six points, comprising his/her first language and five relevant subjects. 745 students attained this score in the 2006 GCE 'O' Level Examinations and opted for JCs as their top choices. 95% (710 students) were posted to their first-choice JCs.

In the case of students who opted for polytechnic courses, the best possible score is five points, comprising English Language, two relevant subjects and two best subjects. Seven students who applied to polytechnic courses attained this score in the 2006 GCE 'O' Level Examinations. All were admitted to their first-choice polytechnic courses.

While a student exercises his own choices of institution and courses of study, entry to JCs and polytechnics is through open competition and is based on merit. The outcome is the result of competition among all applicants for the available places. It would not be possible for MOE to guarantee every student with a perfect score a place in his/her first-choice JC/polytechnic course.

Nevertheless, MOE will continue to regularly review the number of places in popular JCs and polytechnic courses, taking into account the aspirations of our students and the needs of our economy.