5 Steps Academy

Secondary School

We recognize that children at this age experience many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes facing elevated expectations and lack of confidence, easily influenced by peer groups, and feeling stress from challenging schoolwork.

On the bright side, children in this age group have more ability for complex thoughts and are also better able to express feelings verbally.

Our teachers not only act as their tutors but also as their mentors and counsellors. 5 Steps Academy adopts different teaching methods to cater to students’ characters and personalities. We provide a balanced education program within a happy and comfortable environment so that each child can learn and grow to their greatest potential.

Courses

The Secondary School Program in 5 Steps Academy is designed for students aged 11-17

The Secondary School program provided by 5 Steps Academy includes the following subjects:

1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics
6. Economics
7. Literature in English
8. Modern History
9. World History 
10. Art History
11. Geography
12. Health
13. Computer Science (optional)

All the above subjects are mandatory for secondary students. However, most universities expect students to learn at least one foreign language (the mother tongue is a great option). The Singapore autonomous universities require a mother tongue (please check with your university). The following foreign languages are available but optional and are not in the course curriculum by default: Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, and Tamil. 

How are students assessed?

Each student’s achievements are continually assessed (at least every two months). Teachers use a variety of assessment techniques including testing for knowledge and skills, observations, portfolios of student’s work and analysis of projects. Attitude, learning skills, social relationships, and effort are considered equally important when looking at the overall development of the child.

Assessment of Mathematics skills is conducted every day by teachers and the Examination Officers. Four components of the English language are assessed every two to three months independently by the Examination Officers (in addition to the classroom assessment by teachers who also assess other skills, e.g.. public speaking, listening comprehension, composition):

1. Vocabulary
2. Grammar
3. Spelling
4. Reading comprehension

In 5 Steps Academy, teachers and parents work together closely through face-to-face conversation and text messages to discuss each student’s social and academic progress.

Examinations are conducted individually when a student has completed their course or module (subject) with detailed reports on the child’s development.

Students who passed their Grade 10 examinations will Graduate with a Certificate of Completion and can sit for the IGCSE exams (at least five).

Mandatory subjects:

IGCSE International Mathematics (0607, Extended)

IGCSE English – First Language (0500) or

IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking endorsement) (0510) for non-native English-speaking students.

Students must choose at least two Science subjects and one Humanities subject or at least one Science subject and two Humanities subjects from the following lists:

In addition to the above mandatory five subjects, students may choose as many subjects as they want from the IGSCE Subject List.

Regardless of students’ choice of the IGCSE subjects, they must study and sit for the internal exams for the subjects listed in the Secondary School program above.

In Grades 11 and 12, students who choose Cambridge Pathway will prepare for A-levels and students who select Pathway US will sit for SAT and AP exams.

Please click School fees and Academic courses for more details.