JC Subject Combination (Full Guide)
A Level Subject Requirement
For A-levels, students are required to take 3 H2 subjects and 1 contrasting H1 subject. This is on top of the compulsory H1 subjects GP (general paper) and PW (project work).
Understanding A-Level Terminology
Over the next two years, you’ll encounter subjects categorized by levels of study:
H1 Subjects: Covering the essentials, H1 subjects are less rigorous with fewer curriculum hours, contributing up to 10 points toward your University Admission Score (UAS).
H2 Subjects: More in-depth and time-intensive, H2 subjects contribute 20 points to your UAS. They’re core to your academic specialization and often are prerequisites for university courses.
H3 Subjects: Advanced courses for students with strong interest and aptitude in specific areas. While they don’t contribute to UAS, they boost your academic record.
Simple Strategy
Taking 4 H2 subjects instead of 3? If you meet the criteria to take 4 H2 subjects, taking it can be beneficial since it provides an additional safety net should one of your H2 subjects takes an unplanned fall at 'A' Levels.
This gives you the choice to drop it and let it be computed as a H1 subject instead. After converting from an H2 to an H1, the effect on your rank point will be minimized.
What about H3?
After JC 1, only students with exceptional grades are eligible to take H3 subjects, which includes H3 Research. They usually bring in topics from university and beyond. It has no bearing on your 'A' Level rank points, but it will be very beneficial when applying for scholarships or highly sought-after courses (like medicine).
What subjects should I take?
Core Subjects in JC
1. General Paper (GP): A H1 subject focusing on critical thinking, essay writing, and comprehension, emphasizing current affairs and general knowledge.
2. Project Work (PW): A H1 subject where students work in teams to research and present a project, honing teamwork and presentation skills.
3. Mother Tongue Language (MTL): Offered at H1 or H2 level, or as MTL 'B' for students meeting specific criteria. Those with a D7 or better in Higher Chinese at O-Levels are exempt.
Subject Prerequisites
Some subjects require prior knowledge from O-Levels:
1) H2 Mathematics: A minimum of B3 in Additional Mathematics is typically required.
2) H2 Physics: You’ll need at least a B3 in Physics or a combined science with physics.
Choosing your stream? Science or Arts?
When choosing between the Arts or Science stream, make sure the JC you want to attend offers the subject combinations you like.
Check the Junior College’s website to see the subject combination they offer for each stream. If you’re not sure which JC or stream you qualify for, use the JC JAE database to help you.
Also, remember that some university courses require certain subjects. Take some time to look at courses you might be interested in and find out what subjects you need to take.
Science Stream
Common science subjects:
Mathematics (our favourite subject 😉),
Chemistry,
Biology,
Physics.
Less common science subjects:
Further mathematics,
Computing.
Popular Subject Combination (Science)
PCME
- H2: physics, chemistry, mathematics
- H1: economics
BCME
- H2: biology, chemistry, mathematics
- H1: economics
In these subject combinations, physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics are the core science subjects while economics is the contrasting arts subject.
Arts Stream
Common Arts subjects:
Economics,
History,
Geography,
Literature,
Knowledge and Inquiry (H1/H2)
Less Common Arts subjects:
MTL Literature,
China Studies (In English),
Music,
Art,
Theatre Studies,
English Language and Linguistics (ELL),
Third Languages (e.g., French, German, Japanese)
Popular Subject Combination (Arts)
HELM
- H2: history, economics, literature
- H1: mathematics
GELM
- H2: geography, economics, literature
- H1: mathematics
In these subject combinations, economics, history, geography and literature are the core arts subjects while mathematics is the contrasting science subject
Hybrid Stream
What is Hybrid stream? A little bit of both. Hybrid streams mean that instead of taking 3 core and 1 contrasting subject, you will be taking 2 core & 2 contrasting subjects.
Advantages of hybrid combinations
- Achieves a balance between Science and Arts disciplines.
- Allows you to focus on subjects aligned with your preferences, promoting a more enjoyable learning experience.
- Smaller class sizes for H1 subjects enhance personalized guidance from teachers, resembling a more tutorial-like setting
Drawbacks of hybrid combinations
- Timetables may include lengthy breaks or consecutive lessons, which may not suit everyone's preferences.
- Potential for overlapping test dates, leading to exhaustion, as observed in cases like Eunoia JC with Biology and History exams on the same day.
- Certain university courses, such as NUS Chemical and Environmental Engineering, mandate three Science subjects, potentially limiting eligibility with only two Science subjects.
- Essential to conduct thorough research to ensure your desired university course accepts students with your chosen subject combination
Strategies for Subject Selection
Tried & tested by many students
1. Get a taste of the subject
- Review A-Level exam papers to understand the format and rubrics.
- Visit bookstores like Popular to browse textbooks and assessment books for an idea of the workload.
2. Assess Your Strengths and Interests
- Explore the SEAB syllabus to see if the subjects spark curiosity or excitement.
- Ask yourself: Do you enjoy problem-solving? Biology? Writing essays? Let your interests guide you.
3. Consult Academic Advisers and Seniors
- Speak to ECG counselors or seniors for insights into school-specific subject departments. You may also search on social platforms such as reddit.
- For niche subjects like Computing or China Studies, research the department’s distinction rates and resources.
4. Align with Future Career Goals
- Consider how your subject choices align with your aspirations. For example:
- Medicine: H2 Biology and H2 Chemistry
- Engineering: H2 Mathematics and H2 Physics
5. Consider University Requirements
- Different universities have varying prerequisites. For NUS, you may refer to these resources for details:
- NUS Subject Requirements
- NTU Admissions Framework
6. Understand the Impact of Subject Combinations
- Unique combinations may affect timetabling, resulting in long breaks or irregular schedules. Keep this in mind when planning your JC life.
A-Level Rank Point Calculation (New Update)
Starting 2026, there are significant changes.
- The fourth content-based subject will no longer count toward university admission scores.
- Project Work (PW) will shift to a pass/fail grading system, reducing its weight in admissions.
Focus will now be on your three core H2 subjects, making it even more critical to choose wisely. You can read more on A level Rank Point calculation.
Choosing your JC subjects is an important step, but it’s also an opportunity to explore your passions and build a strong foundation for your future! Remember, this journey is yours to take, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Excelling in JC Math is within your reach. While it may be challenging, achieving a perfect 20 RP, just like many of our students, is absolutely possible. Start early with our JC H2 Math tuition and build a strong foundation with us today!