<![CDATA[Normal Technical (NT) Course]]>

helloagain\" post_id=\"2089265\" time=\"1668929386\" user_id=\"5712:

The concern is it’s easier to score A in NT subjects than A1/2 in NA subjects, both translate to a 1 aggregate point for ITE. Since ITE also have their cutoff points for each course, the student having lesser aggregate points will stand a better chance than one with higher aggregate points. So the school feel if he continue to do well in NT, he will be able to earn more A as compared to if he goes NA stream. They asked whether I want my son to be big fish in small pond or small fish in big pond.
https://postimg.cc/xqc9P639
So, the upside is a preferred course in the ITE if sticking to the NT stream. However, that’s also the ceiling in the NT stream. You cannot go higher than that, regardless of how well a student you can be. If the aim is only a course in the ITE and comparing using only NT and NA results, it’s probably better off to stay put in the NT stream. No need to over stress yourself.

However, the whole aim of wanting to switch to the NA stream is to be able to eventually qualify for Poly (or JC), or alternatively, go to ITE as a fallback option. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, there are hard work to be done BUT the upside and rewards are much greater, even for a medium size fish in a large pond.

There are several additional paths available for NA / O students:
1. https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/dpp using sec 4NA school / N results
- Entry into ITE 2 years Higher Nitec
- Through train to relevant Poly courses (minimum GPA)

2. https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pfp using N Level
- Spend 1 year in Poly as an alternative to sec 5
- Pass all modules, entry into the diploma course

3. https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/poly-eae
- For final year O Level and ITE students
- Aptitude based

Hence, assuming I’m not confident about my O or sec 5 results, I’ll choose the 1st option. Head to ITE for my Higher Nitec, and then go to Poly as long as I meet the minimum GPA (while other ITE students have to meet the minimum GPA AND the COP). Total: 5 years.

Alternatively, if I feel good about my N Level, I’ll choose option 2 and try to qualify for the PFP. Finally, if I feel good about everything, I’ll hang on to sec 5 and try option 5. Total: 4 and 3 years respectively.

Given the possible upsides and minimum downsides (just back to ITE and maybe a less preferred course), I’ll move to NA unless I feel really bad and have no confidence about my chances / results. It’s not going to be easy but at least, I know there will be a far greater and better rewards at the end of the road.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/92684/normal-technical-nt-courseRSS for NodeSun, 19 Apr 2026 04:27:35 GMTMon, 21 Nov 2022 03:00:34 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Sun, 20 Nov 2022 07:29:46 GMT]]>The concern is it’s easier to score A in NT subjects than A1/2 in NA subjects, both translate to a 1 aggregate point for ITE. Since ITE also have their cutoff points for each course, the student having lesser aggregate points will stand a better chance than one with higher aggregate points. So the school feel if he continue to do well in NT, he will be able to earn more A as compared to if he goes NA stream. They asked whether I want my son to be big fish in small pond or small fish in big pond.

https://postimg.cc/xqc9P639

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089265https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089265Sun, 20 Nov 2022 07:29:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Sun, 20 Nov 2022 07:07:01 GMT]]>

helloagain\" post_id=\"2089252\" time=\"1668921242\" user_id=\"5712:

Hi
My son is currently in sec 1NT. He missed by 1 AL to qualify for NA in his PSLE last yr. Although he was eligible to take English (AL6 PSLE) or math SBB (AL6 PSLE) in his school (his school only allow 1 SBB), we forgo his SBB chances as school leaders (who have since left) advised us not to take SBB if we want to try for lateral transfer to Sec 2NA.

His sec 1NT year end exam results are 74% English, 76% Math, 77% science, 91% CPA, 59% art, 60+ for d&t and FCE. His overall avg is 73%. His school criteria for lateral transfer is 75% overall avg and 70% English. Despite qualifying for SBB again, this time school didn’t offer SBB to him because they felt SBB isn’t beneficial.

We made an appeal for lateral transfer and SBB. We met up with school leaders and they didn’t reject our appeal but want us to consider carefully. They shared that it will be a struggle at upper secondary as every subject will be more demanding especially English and social studies. They felt although he may be able to get through all the way to Sec 4NA, but what’s next after that? Will he get grades good enough for Sec 5NA (eventually to poly) or DPP? They shared the criteria needed. Not only there’s an aggregate points requirement but also English need to be about 3-4 points. In their opinions, he may be better off in NT stream since he stand better chance at scoring better there and thereafter higher chances at securing the courses he may eventually want at ITE. They said ite courses like 3 yr higher nitec are open to both NA and NT graduates and the grades conversion is almost on 1to1.

We mentioned giving it a go at sec 2NA and if things don’t work out, he can come back to NT, but they said it won’t be that easy as student need to fail badly like 20+% only they will consider transferring him/her to NT. So if we want to transfer him from NT to NA, there may be no turning back but I’m concern whether will he end up with grades not good enough to go DPP or sec 5-o levels-poly or should he just stay in NT like advised by school. Since p5, my son’s English has been borderline. Although he want to go NA but now I’m worried whether that is the best for him.
What’s the worst thing that can happen if he goes to NA, don’t do well and unable to qualify for DPP or polytechnic? He goes into the ITE programme, exactly the same spot he is heading for right now.

In a good / best case scenario, he qualifies for Poly / DPP. In a worst case scenario, he remains exactly in the same situation as he is in right now. So, what’s the concern?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089263https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089263Sun, 20 Nov 2022 07:07:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:14:02 GMT]]>Hi

My son is currently in sec 1NT. He missed by 1 AL to qualify for NA in his PSLE last yr. Although he was eligible to take English (AL6 PSLE) or math SBB (AL6 PSLE) in his school (his school only allow 1 SBB), we forgo his SBB chances as school leaders (who have since left) advised us not to take SBB if we want to try for lateral transfer to Sec 2NA.

His sec 1NT year end exam results are 74% English, 76% Math, 77% science, 91% CPA, 59% art, 60+ for d&t and FCE. His overall avg is 73%. His school criteria for lateral transfer is 75% overall avg and 70% English. Despite qualifying for SBB again, this time school didn’t offer SBB to him because they felt SBB isn’t beneficial.

We made an appeal for lateral transfer and SBB. We met up with school leaders and they didn’t reject our appeal but want us to consider carefully. They shared that it will be a struggle at upper secondary as every subject will be more demanding especially English and social studies. They felt although he may be able to get through all the way to Sec 4NA, but what’s next after that? Will he get grades good enough for Sec 5NA (eventually to poly) or DPP? They shared the criteria needed. Not only there’s an aggregate points requirement but also English need to be about 3-4 points. In their opinions, he may be better off in NT stream since he stand better chance at scoring better there and thereafter higher chances at securing the courses he may eventually want at ITE. They said ite courses like 3 yr higher nitec are open to both NA and NT graduates and the grades conversion is almost on 1to1.

We mentioned giving it a go at sec 2NA and if things don’t work out, he can come back to NT, but they said it won’t be that easy as student need to fail badly like 20+% only they will consider transferring him/her to NT. So if we want to transfer him from NT to NA, there may be no turning back but I’m concern whether will he end up with grades not good enough to go DPP or sec 5-o levels-poly or should he just stay in NT like advised by school. Since p5, my son’s English has been borderline. Although he want to go NA but now I’m worried whether that is the best for him.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089252https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2089252Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:14:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 17 May 2022 09:53:34 GMT]]>

kamsy\" post_id=\"2067790\" time=\"1652769002\" user_id=\"37864:

My gal is in Sec 1 NT, able to go for SBB for Eng and Science but doesnt want to take up. Her march test she scored straight A. This May test, she did all As again with 1 B for English.

I'm thinking if at the end of the year, she can score well to go NA. Will she be struggling?

Her form teacher asked her, if she want to be small fish in big pond or big fish in small pond?
Congratulations on your kid's success! Her teacher's point about whether she wants to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond, is right on the dot. But remember, she is only less than halfway through her Secondary 1. Why not challenge her to continue her good performance until the end of the year, and then decide? She may feel that it is better for her to stay put for another year, or she may feel that she is ready for a slightly bigger challenge. Either way, our role as parents is to facilitate her in her wishes, and not to pressurize her to do anything to satisfy our own hopes.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067813https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067813Tue, 17 May 2022 09:53:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 17 May 2022 06:30:02 GMT]]>My gal is in Sec 1 NT, able to go for SBB for Eng and Science but doesnt want to take up. Her march test she scored straight A. This May test, she did all As again with 1 B for English.


I’m thinking if at the end of the year, she can score well to go NA. Will she be struggling?

Her form teacher asked her, if she want to be small fish in big pond or big fish in small pond?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067790https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067790Tue, 17 May 2022 06:30:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 10 Jan 2022 03:31:35 GMT]]>

etsbaby\" post_id=\"2055048\" time=\"1641541223\" user_id=\"4019:

DS is in Sec 2 NT this year but he is taking English, Chinese and Maths for NA (G2) level. His teacher is discouraging him to do his best to get into NA level in Sec 3 as he would have to repeat his Sec 2 at NA level if he wants to get into NA level in Sec 3 since he will not be taking any humanities subject at all in Sec 1 last year and Sec 2 this year.

Could someone pls enlighten me if this is true? What is the best suggestion? should he still work his best to get his existing subjects to take G2 level?
Hi etsbaby,

for doing SBB subjects, it will be very difficult to go into NA level. For Sec 1NT to NA, only Sec 1 doesnt need to repeat. Sec 2 and above will need to repeat. My son was in 4NT, did SBB for Math, Sci and English for N level last year. He attained good results and can stay back for 4NA but he doesnt want to anymore. SBB will helped for the points to go ITE.

Depending on what your son wanted, to go NA or not, or just to achieve better knowledge for SBB subjects. My gal is in Sec 1 NT, offered SBB for Eng and science but we rejected. Trying to see if she can make it to NA or not this year.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055222https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055222Mon, 10 Jan 2022 03:31:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:59:39 GMT]]>

etsbaby\" post_id=\"2055048\" time=\"1641541223\" user_id=\"4019:

DS is in Sec 2 NT this year but he is taking English, Chinese and Maths for NA (G2) level. His teacher is discouraging him to do his best to get into NA level in Sec 3 as he would have to repeat his Sec 2 at NA level if he wants to get into NA level in Sec 3 since he will not be taking any humanities subject at all in Sec 1 last year and Sec 2 this year.

Could someone pls enlighten me if this is true? What is the best suggestion? should he still work his best to get his existing subjects to take G2 level?
https://www.sgs.edu.sg/promotion-criteria/

suggest still do his best for the 3 subjects at G2 level then if really offered 2NA, can decide again whether to take it up or not

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055054https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055054Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:59:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Fri, 07 Jan 2022 07:40:23 GMT]]>DS is in Sec 2 NT this year but he is taking English, Chinese and Maths for NA (G2) level. His teacher is discouraging him to do his best to get into NA level in Sec 3 as he would have to repeat his Sec 2 at NA level if he wants to get into NA level in Sec 3 since he will not be taking any humanities subject at all in Sec 1 last year and Sec 2 this year.


Could someone pls enlighten me if this is true? What is the best suggestion? should he still work his best to get his existing subjects to take G2 level?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055048https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2055048Fri, 07 Jan 2022 07:40:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:02:13 GMT]]>

zILA\" post_id=\"2053840\" time=\"1640728516\" user_id=\"123805:

My son will NT next year...
Any assessments to be recommend. How to make him to go Sec 2 NA in future?
Sec 1 Normal (Technical) To Sec 2 Normal (Academic):
70% or more for all of the following:

Average score of all subjects
English
Maths
Science

https://www.sgs.edu.sg/promotion-criteria/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053910https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053910Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:02:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:47:26 GMT]]>

zILA\" post_id=\"2053840\" time=\"1640728516\" user_id=\"123805:

My son will NT next year...
Any assessments to be recommend. How to make him to go Sec 2 NA in future?
If you have time, I would recommend reading/chatting with him daily. Maybe start with just 10-15 mins each time, then the next month can try 30 mins, then 45 mins and then an hour.. it’s can be his textbook, workbook, newspapers, story books or even magazines.

I think motivation and encouragement is key. Wishing you all the best for 2022!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053908https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053908Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:47:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Wed, 29 Dec 2021 04:00:15 GMT]]>

zILA\" post_id=\"2053840\" time=\"1640728516\" user_id=\"123805:

My son will NT next year...
Any assessments to be recommend. How to make him to go Sec 2 NA in future?
Hi there, my daughter will be going NT too. She was given SBB for English and Science but we rejected..

For Sec 1NT to Sec 2NA, English and Math must be 70 and above, with total average scores of all subjects with marks above 70.

My son was in NT since Sec 1 but with Eng, Math and Science for SBB. From Sec 1 to Sec 3, his percentages yearly ranging 65 to 68% which he cant hop over to NA. This year was his N Level, he scored very well and are able to retain for 4NA. I think it's too late, he is preparing himself to go ITE.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053872https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053872Wed, 29 Dec 2021 04:00:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 28 Dec 2021 21:55:16 GMT]]>My son will NT next year…

Any assessments to be recommend. How to make him to go Sec 2 NA in future?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053840https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2053840Tue, 28 Dec 2021 21:55:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Thu, 04 Mar 2021 12:50:32 GMT]]>Dear kamsy.


I would not recommend for your son to be transferred to Sec 4 NA after Sec 4 NT.

He would be better off going to ITE NITEC and hence Higher NITEC - then Poly (year 2)

If he remains back in school for Sec 4NA - he may feel that he is ‘repeating’
And in Sec 4 NA - teachers will only ‘teach’ for 5 months worth.
The bulk of the teaching is done in Sec 3NA. Unless he has this capacity to really catch up, it is not wise.

Mr Matthew Ng

PM for discussion

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016659https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016659Thu, 04 Mar 2021 12:50:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:59 GMT]]>floppy, ResilienceLC, thank you for your reply.


This was the replied from MOE:
After your son completes the N-Level examinations at the end of the year, he could transfer to Sec 4 Normal (Academic) (4N(A)) the following year if he does well. He may also use his grades for both his N(T)- and N(A)-level subjects to apply for admission to Nitec in ITE. If he does well in Nitec, he could progress to Higher Nitec and have the opportunity to progress to Polytechnics thereafter.

Route will be tougher if he go into NA with humanities subjects, too late…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016323https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016323Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:56 GMT]]>floppy, ResilienceLC, thank you for your reply.


This was the replied from MOE:
After your son completes the N-Level examinations at the end of the year, he could transfer to Sec 4 Normal (Academic) (4N(A)) the following year if he does well. He may also use his grades for both his N(T)- and N(A)-level subjects to apply for admission to Nitec in ITE. If he does well in Nitec, he could progress to Higher Nitec and have the opportunity to progress to Polytechnics thereafter.

Route will be tougher if he go into NA with humanities subjects, too late…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016322https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016322Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:56 GMT]]>floppy, ResilienceLC, thank you for your reply.


This was the replied from MOE:
After your son completes the N-Level examinations at the end of the year, he could transfer to Sec 4 Normal (Academic) (4N(A)) the following year if he does well. He may also use his grades for both his N(T)- and N(A)-level subjects to apply for admission to Nitec in ITE. If he does well in Nitec, he could progress to Higher Nitec and have the opportunity to progress to Polytechnics thereafter.

Route will be tougher if he go into NA with humanities subjects, too late…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016321https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016321Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:56:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:53:08 GMT]]>Kamsy,


Here are some more information

https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/higher-nitec/eae

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016268https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016268Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:53:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:51:30 GMT]]>At Sec 4 NT there are no transfer to NA. |


The transfers are only available at Sec 1 NT, 2 NT , 3 NT.

If he does well he should go to ITE NITEC - then to Higher NITEC
which can lead to Poly admission even direct into Poly Year 2 (instead of starting at Year 1)

He can also try the ITE EAE to get into the course he wanted.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016267https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016267Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:51:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:40:09 GMT]]>

kamsy\" post_id=\"2016235\" time=\"1614577075\" user_id=\"37864:

Mr Ng, thank you for your explaination.

He is in NT stream now but taking Eng/Math/Science for SBB in NA. This year is his N level. He will stay one more year if he can do well this year to transfer over to NA stream? Doesnt understand how to gauge.

Thank you,
Jen
Your son is in Sec 4 NT this year. If he does well, he will move on to ITE next year. He can’t stay back for 1 year and do NA next year, it doesn’t work like that. The scope and depth of subjects (beyond his 3 ENG / MATH / SCIENCE) are different - example, NT does not have the standard Humanities subjects (LIT / GEO / HISTORY).

His 3 NA subjects will come in handy when applying to ITE. There are some bonus points when applying to NITEC courses. From NITEC, he will then move on to HIGHER NITEC or Polytechnic courses, if he continues to do well.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016250https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016250Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:40:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:37:55 GMT]]>

ResilienceLC\" post_id=\"2015131\" time=\"1613630564\" user_id=\"191449:

TiggerMyJrt\" post_id=\"2000454\" time=\"1603788120\" user_id=\"189180:

Hi Kamsy

Thanks for your sharing. While my nephew is happy to get the offer, he is also very worried not being able to catch up. I reckon is going to be a big jump in learning. If he was taking from secondary 1 like your son, then perhaps we will not have that much of a concern.

He aim to do well in ITE in his preferred course since tats probably the only option he has being in NT. Thereafter go on to Polytechnic.

So we are in dilema now, should we give it a shot and let him try.


From an educators' perspective...
Doing
SBB (Subject Based Banding) and Ohas the advantage of
1) gaining deeper and better understanding of the subject
2) training the analytical mind (ie the process that matters)
3) increasing the chance for EAE (Early Admission Exercise ) [like the Direct Admission for Pri to Sec sch]

Also there is a grade conversion / improvement



Go ahead to let him try

He will find it more difficult - but that should motivate him more.

When he apply for EAE for Higher Nitec - he has a better chance.


Let me know if you have further queries


Cheers!
Mr Mattheew Ng


Resilience Learning

Mr Ng, thank you for your explaination.

He is in NT stream now but taking Eng/Math/Science for SBB in NA. This year is his N level. He will stay one more year if he can do well this year to transfer over to NA stream? Doesnt understand how to gauge.

Thank you,
Jen

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016235https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2016235Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:37:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:42:44 GMT]]>

TiggerMyJrt\" post_id=\"2000454\" time=\"1603788120\" user_id=\"189180:

Hi Kamsy

Thanks for your sharing. While my nephew is happy to get the offer, he is also very worried not being able to catch up. I reckon is going to be a big jump in learning. If he was taking from secondary 1 like your son, then perhaps we will not have that much of a concern.

He aim to do well in ITE in his preferred course since tats probably the only option he has being in NT. Thereafter go on to Polytechnic.

So we are in dilema now, should we give it a shot and let him try.

From an educators' perspective...
Doing
SBB (Subject Based Banding) and Ohas the advantage of
1) gaining deeper and better understanding of the subject
2) training the analytical mind (ie the process that matters)
3) increasing the chance for EAE (Early Admission Exercise ) [like the Direct Admission for Pri to Sec sch]

Also there is a grade conversion / improvement



Go ahead to let him try

He will find it more difficult - but that should motivate him more.

When he apply for EAE for Higher Nitec - he has a better chance.


Let me know if you have further queries


Cheers!
Mr Mattheew Ng


Resilience Learning

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2015131https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2015131Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:42:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Mon, 21 Dec 2020 04:09:16 GMT]]>Hi there,


My son will be Sec 4 - NT stream next year. He is currently taking SBB English, Math & Science. Will he still be taking ‘N Level’ next year? Am not sure about it…

Please advice. Thank you

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2008593https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2008593Mon, 21 Dec 2020 04:09:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Normal Technical (NT) Course on Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:01:42 GMT]]>Hi Kamsy


Totally agree with you … ITE is not the end of the road. Yr son is so blessed to have such an understanding mum like you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2000460https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2000460Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:01:42 GMT