Polytechnic Foundation

Programme (PFP)

Briefing2018 Singapore-Cambridge

GCE N(A) & N(T) Examinations

17 Dec 2018, 2 pm

Progression Pathways for 4N (Academic)

No Item Eligibility Criteria Remarks

1 *Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

ELMAB3 ≤ 12 (Excl CCA pts) + course entry requirement

Apply when O-levels results are released in Jan2019 :fr 2pm on release day (Day 1) – 4pm on Day 6

2 *Direct-Entry-Scheme to Poly Prog (DPP) –Higher NITEC

ELMAB3 ≤ 19 (Excl CCA pts) + course entry requirement

Application from 2.30pm (Today) – 5pm20 Dec (Thu) (4 days)

3 Progression to ITE for NITEC course

Prerequisites & bonus pts stated in booklet

Same as above

4 Repeat 4NA ELMAB3 ≤ 21 orELB3 ≤ 14 orMAB3 ≤ 14 orOther prerequisites

Depends on Vacancy & students need to submit a formal appeal to school

5 Progression to 5NA ELMAB3≤ 19 AND at least an NA Grade 5 for all subjects used in the computation of ELMAB3

Different pathways to Poly/Uni

Year To 5NA To PFP To DPP

2018 4NA 4NA 4NA

2019 5NA – O Lvl PFP DPP (HIGHER NITEC)

2020 Poly Yr 1 Poly Yr 1 DPP (HIGHER NITEC)

2021 Poly Yr 2 Poly Yr 2 *Poly Yr 2

(GPA≥3.5)

Poly Yr 1

(GPA≥2.5 or 3)

2022 Poly Yr 3 Poly Yr 3 Poly Yr 3 Poly Yr 2

2023 Move on to University Yr 1 Poly Yr 3

MANY PATHS… ONE MOUNTAIN

VIPS - Values, Interests, Personality, and Strengths

Options & Pathways

Options for 4N(A) Students

(I) Apply PFP only

• Given Form P if eligible

• Report on 2 Jan for S5

• Apply upon release of O level results

• If successful & accept offer, withdraw from S5 – last day 25 Jan

(II) Apply for DPP only

• Given Form N if eligible

• Apply for DPP on release of N(A) results, from 17 – 20 Dec

• If successful & accept offer, no need to report on 2 Jan

(III) Apply for both DPP & PFP

• (A) Certain not doing S5

• Apply for DPP on release of N(A) results, from 17 – 20 Dec

• Given Form N if eligible

• If successful & accept offer, start 10-week DPP prep prog in Jan

• No need to report on 2 Jan

• Upon release of O level results, apply for PFP if given Form P

• If successful, withdraw from DPP

• (B) Progress to S5 first

• Report on 2 Jan for S5

• Upon release of O level results, apply for DPP & PFP concurrently

• If successful in DPP or PFP, withdraw from S5 – last day 25 Jan

Timeframe Action to be taken

2 Jan 2019 Report to PL for S5

Release of O-Level

Results in mid Jan 2019

Receive Form P for PFP application. Apply thereafter.

2pm on release day (Day

1) – 4pm on Day 6

PFP application via portal

Appeals window – 3 days PFP Posting Results /Acceptance of offer/Appeal

Outcome of Appeal/Acceptance of Appeal Outcome

25 Jan 2019 Withdraw from 5N once PFP is accepted.

(I) For students who are interested in the PFP only

3 day processing

Appeals processing

Options for 4N(A) Students

(I) Apply PFP only

• Given Form P if eligible

• Report on 2 Jan for S5

• Apply upon release of O level results

• If successful & accept offer, withdraw from S5 – last day 25 Jan

(II) Apply for DPP only

• Given Form N if eligible

• Apply for DPP on release of N(A) results, from 17 – 20 Dec

• If successful & accept offer, no need to report on 2 Jan

(III) Apply for both DPP & PFP

• (A) Certain not doing S5

• Apply for DPP on release of N(A) results, from 17 – 20 Dec

• Given Form N if eligible

• If successful & accept offer, start 10-week DPP prep prog in Jan

• No need to report on 2 Jan

• Upon release of O level results, apply for PFP if given Form P

• If successful, withdraw from DPP

• (B) Progress to S5 first

• Report on 2 Jan for S5

• Upon release of O level results, apply for DPP & PFP concurrently

• If successful in DPP or PFP, withdraw from S5 – last day 25 Jan

(IIIA) For students who are interested in both PFP and

DPP, but not S5:

• Apply for DPP in the first phase (fr 2.30 pm on 17 Dec 2018 -

5.00 pm on 20 Dec 2018).

• Posting results released at 9am 24 Dec. Accept/reject/appeal

offer by 3pm 27 Dec.

– If successful, report to ITE on 7 Jan 2019 for 10-week DPP

prep prog (Registration 2 Jan pm – 4 Jan 2019)

– If not, report to PL on 2 Jan 2019 for S5.

• Apply for PFP on day of release of O-level results.

• On accepting the PFP offer, apply to withdraw from DPP

programme, & for refund of DPP enrolment fees.

(IIIB) For students who are interested in both PFP and

DPP, but progress to Sec 5 first:

• No need to do anything now in Dec. Report for Sec 5 in 2 Jan.

• Upon release of O level results in mid Jan 2019, apply for PFP

and DPP concurrently.

• If successful in PFP/DPP and accept offer, withdraw from Sec

5. Last day : 25 Jan

• Important : If you do not apply for DPP in the first phase

(Dec 2018), the number of vacancies open to you in the

second phase (Jan 2019) will be very limited.

• All S4N(A) students who do not have a confirmed

place in the DPP, but are eligible for progression to

S5, should report to PL Sec on 2 Jan 2019 (Wed)

to continue with S5 (pending application &

acceptance of PFP).

Important

What’s PFP? • A diploma-specific foundation programme

conducted over two academic semesters

• Practice-oriented curriculum taught by polytechnic

lecturers to better prepare students for entry into the

relevant diploma courses

• Given provisional places in diploma progs, subject

to them passing all modules in the one-year PFP

• Offered by 5 Polys

• About 1,500 PFP places

• Spanning 80% of diploma course offerings

Why consider PFP?

• Suited for applied learning in the form of

a polytechnic education

• Identify and select courses based on

interests, aptitudes and future career

plans

• Discuss options with teachers, parents

and seniors.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

• Upon release of GCE O Level results, PFP-

eligible students will receive Form P containing

a PFP Pin that allows them to apply for the PFP

at: www.polytechnic.edu.sg/PFP

Eligibility

• Obtain an ELMAB3 aggregate not exceeding 12

points (excl CCA bonus points); and

• Meet the subject-specific requirements of the

courses they are applying for.

• Eligibility does not guarantee placement in a PFP

course. Dependent on vacancies and open

competition with other applicants based on merit.

Group 1 & 2 Courses

Group 1 Group 2

• Applied Sciences

• *Health Sciences

• Engineering

• Information & Digital

Technologies

• Built Environment

• Maritime Studies

• *Business & Management

• *Media & Design

• *Health Sciences

• *Business &

Management

• *Media & Design

• Humanities

Subj-Specific Requirements

For Courses featured in Group 1Minimum Required

Grades

English Language Syllabus A 3

Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) 3

One of the following relevant subjects:

- Design and Technology

- Food and Nutrition

- Science (Chemistry, Biology)

- Science (Physics, Biology)

- Science (Physics, Chemistry)

3

Any two other subjects excluding CCA 3

Subj-Specific Requirements

For Courses featured in Group 2Minimum Required

Grades

English Language Syllabus A 2

Mathematics (Syllabus A / Additional) 3

One of the following relevant subjects:

-Principles of Accounts

-Literature in English

-History

-Combined Humanities

-Geography

-Art

3

Any two other subjects excluding CCA 3

Group 1 & 2 Courses

Group 1 Group 2

• Applied Sciences

• *Health Sciences

• Engineering

• Information & Digital

Technologies

• Built Environment

• Maritime Studies

• *Business & Management

• *Media & Design

• *Health Sciences

• *Business &

Management

• *Media & Design

• Humanities

Group 1 & 2 CoursesGroup 1 Group 2

Health Sciences

Health Management and Promotion

Health Sciences (Nursing)

Health Services Management

Nursing

Optometry

Oral Health Therapy

Sports and Exercise Sciences

Sports Coaching

Social Sciences (Social Work)

Group 1 & 2 CoursesGroup 1 Group 2

Business & Management

Aviation Management

Aviation Management & Services

Business Informatics

Business Information Technology

Business Process & Systems Engineering

Financial Business Informatics

Financial Informatics

Industrial and Operations Management

Supply Chain Management

Accountancy

Accounting & Finance

Arts Business Management

Banking & Finance

Business & Social Enterprise

Business / Logistics & Operations Management / Marketing

Business Administration

Business Studies

Communications & Media Management

Consumer Behaviour and Research

Culinary & Catering Management

Customer Experience Management with Business

Food & Beverage Business

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Hotel and Hospitality Management

Human Resource Management with Psychology

Integrated Events Management

International Trade & Business

Law & Management

Leisure & Events Management

Marketing

Mass Media Management

Outdoor and Adventure Learning

Restaurant and Culinary Operations

Retail Management

Social Enterprise Management

Sport & Wellness Management

Sports & Leisure Management

Tourism & Resort Management

Wellness and Hospitality Business

Group 1 Group 2

Media & Design3D Interactive Media Technology

Animation

Apparel Design & Merchandising

Communication Design

Design for User Experience

Digital Animation

Digital Film & Television

Digital Game Art & Design

Environment Design

Experience & Product Design

Games Design and Development

Industrial Design

Interaction Design

Interactive & Digital Media

Interior Architecture & Design

Interior Design

Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design

Product & Industrial Design

Sonic Arts

Spatial Design

Visual Communication & Media Design

Visual Effects & Motion Graphics

Arts and Theatre Management

Chinese Media & Communications

Film, Sound & Video

Mass Communication

Media & Communication

Media Production and Design

Special Considerations

Students with ‘O’ Level Subjs

• Allowed to combine their ‘N’- and ‘O’-Level

examination results to compute their

eligibility.

• If a student takes the same subject at both

‘N’ and ‘O’ Levels, only the better grade

will be computed into his or her aggregate.

GCE ‘O’-Level Grade

conversion matrix

'O'-Level GradeAggregate Point for

PFP

A1 - B3 1

B4 - C6 2

D7 3

What do I do next?

• Select up to 5 choices

• Provide updated contact details

• You’ll receive a SMS reminder on the morning of

the release of the PFP posting results

• 3 working days to

a) Accept the offer;

b) Reject your offer and continue with Sec 5; or

c) Appeal for a change of course through the

Centralised Appeals System.

Appeals

• Check your results after the close of the appeals

window.

• Those who are successful in their appeal and

are offered a new PFP course will forgo their

original PFP offer regardless of whether they

accept their new offer.

• Students to accept or reject their new PFP offer

via the PFP portal.

What happens next?

• If you accept the offer, you will receive an

enrolment package from Polys in

Feb/March 2019

• PFP will begin in April 2019

PFP Application Window(5 Days)

Application Processing

(3 Days)

Appeals Window (3 Days)

Release of Appeal

Outcomes

End of PFP Admissions

Exercise

Appeals Processing

JANUARY 2019

2. Am I Eligible for PFP 2019?

You are eligible for the PFP if you: Sat for GCE N-Level and O-Level exams as a school

candidate in 2018 Have obtained an ELMAB3 aggregate of 12 points or

less (before deduction of CCA bonus points) Met course-specific entry requirements as listed on

the PFP websiteGCE ‘O’ Level

GradeConverted

Grade

A1-B3 1

B4-C6 2

D7 3

If you had offered GCE O-Levelexamination subjects in 2018, youmay refer to this table for theequivalent grade to compute yourELMAB3 aggregate:

1. What is the PFP?

A foundation year at the polytechnics that: Prepares well-performing Sec 4N(A) students for

progression into respective polytechnic diploma courses Serves as an alternative to Sec 5

Conducted over two academic semesters at the polytechnics

3. How do I Apply?

Upon release of the GCE O-Level results, allPFP-eligible students will receive Form Pcontaining a PFP PIN that allows them to applyfor the PFP at: www.polytechnic.edu.sg/PFP.You may select up to five course choices.Remember to provide updated contact detailsin your application to allow the polytechnics tocontact you if necessary.(Note: You should continue to attend Sec 5from 2 Jan 2019 while applying for PFP.)

4. How Will I be Informed of the Outcome?

You will receive a SMS reminder on the morning of the release of the PFPposting results.You will have 3 working days to:

If you do not select any option, your offer will become invalid and youwill be required to continue with your classes in Sec 5.(Note: If your appeal is successful, your original offer will be voidregardless of whether you accept the new PFP offer.)

5. What Happens Next?

If you accept your offer,you will receive anenrolment packagefrom the polytechnics inFebruary/March 2019.

The PFP year will startin April 2019.

Accept your offer; Reject your offer and continue with Sec 5; or Appeal for a change of course through the Centralised Appeals System.

More information can be found at: https://pfp.polytechnic.edu.sg

Release of PFP Posting

Results

Release of GCE ‘O’ Level

Results

Students must pass all PFP modules in order to progress totheir respective, pre-selected diploma courses.

(Note: Eligibility does not guarantee you a place in a PFP course)Refer to Handout

WHAT IS DPP?

The DPP prepares Secondary 4 N(A) students forprogression into selected polytechnic diplomacourses without going through the O-Levels

…via a two-year Higher Nitec programme at theITE.

Under the DPP, students who successfullycomplete their Higher Nitec course and attainthe minimum qualifying Grade Point Average(GPA) are guaranteed a place in a polytechnicdiploma course mapped to their Higher Niteccourse.

POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMA COURSE MAPPED TO DPP COURSESPage 2-7 of Handout

17 DPP COURSES

ITE offers a wide range of full-time Higher Nitec courses under the DPP for eligible N(A)

The 17 Higher Nitec courses offered under DPP are as follows:

WHAT IS DPP?

Suitable for those who enjoy a hands-onlearning style curriculum

Attain the required qualifying Grade PointAverage (GPA) scores - guaranteed a placein a polytechnic diploma course mapped totheir Higher Nitec course.

About 1,200 DPP places

DPP ELIGIBILITYa. Obtained an ELMAB3 aggregate of 19 points or better(excluding CCA bonus points); and

Sun Times 16 Dec 2018

DIFFERENT PATHWAYS TO POLY/UNI

DIFFERENT PATHWAYS TO POLY/UNI

Year 5NA Route

2019 5NA O-Level

2020 Poly Yr 1ITE higher

NITEC

2021 Poly Yr 2 ITE higher

NITEC

2022 Poly Yr 3 Poly Yr 1

2023

University

Poly Yr 2

2024 Poly Yr 3

2025 University

DPP Route

DPP (HIGHER NITEC) Yr 1

DPP (HIGHER NITEC) Yr 2

Poly Yr 1

(GPA≥2.5 or 3)

Poly Yr 2

(GPA≥3.5)

Poly Yr 2 Poly Yr 3

Poly Yr 3

University

University

Module-based GPA grading system

Tailored for students who prefer varied learning modes across the academic year.

Bite-sized assessments contribute to final GPA grade, as compared to one seating of National examinations.

Industry-specific so you can pursue your passions immediately.

WHY CONSIDER DPP?- APPLIED LEARNING

WHY CONSIDER DPP?- 3 DPP APPLICATION/APPEAL WINDOWS

Window

1

Window

2Window

3

WHY CONSIDER DPP?- LESS COMPETITION TO GET INTO POLY

2019 O-level

Candidature

30, 000

2019 DPP places

1200

WHY CONSIDER DPP?- TIME AND EFFORT REQUIRED TO BRIDGE O-LEVEL

Sec 4 / 5

Assessment Schedule

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Common Test Week 6

Prep ExamWeek 7 - 8

3 Jun - GCE

O-Level MT

Exam

PrelimsO-Level Prelims

Week 8 - 10

O-Level ExamStarting Week 6

12 choices First 3 to 4 choices

Next 3 to 4 choices

Remaining choices

Look at Polytechnic courses (Annex A) you are interested in in the future and see which DPP courses can lead you there.

PASSION

Practical

Prudent

CHOICE OF DPP COURSES

ALLOCATION OF 1200 DPP PLACES IN 2 DPP PHASES

DPP Phase 2 : Application: Jan 2019Results: 4 Feb 2019

DPP Phase 1: Application: now – 20 Dec 2018Results: 24 Dec 2018

DPP Appeal Phase : Application: 24 – 27 Dec 2018Results: 28 Dec 2018

DPP APPLICATION &

Results Release

1200 DPP Places 1200 – x DPP Places

1200 – x - yDPP Places

Note that for PFP & DPP

• Eligibility does not guarantee placement in a

PFP/DPP course.

• Placement is subject to the availability of vacancies

and in open competition with other eligible applicants

based on merit.

Each year

• Total DPP places – 1,200 only

• Total PFP places – 1,500 only. More than 80% of

Polytechnic Diploma courses will be offered under the

PFP.

Helpful Websites

PFP

http://www.polytechnic.edu.sg/pfp/

Respective polytechnic websites

DPP

http://www.ite.edu.sg/wps/portal/definitely-des/

Respective polytechnic websites

In a nutshell…

All students who qualify

for PFP (top 10% of

cohort)

should take up the offer

TAKE NOTE

All Sec 4N(A) students who do not have a confirmed place in the DPP or are waiting to apply for the PFP, following the release of the GCE N-Level results,

must report to PLMGS(Sec) on 2 Jan 2019 (Wed) to continue with Secondary 5.

Submit the Letter of Undertaking to the General Office by 12 noon, 28 December 2018

4NA Only