Home > FAQs

FAQs

General Admission Enquiries

What is Subject-Based Banding like at Cedar?

Cedar offers both the SEC Programme and Integrated Programme (IP) pathways. 
For the SEC track, Cedar is in Posting Group 3, meaning all students take subjects at the G3 level. 

For the Integrated Programme (IP), there is also no subject-based banding, and students take subjects at the G3 level, allowing for a consistent and rigorous academic experience throughout the programme.

What’s the difference between the Integrated Programme (IP) and SEC track?

The IP is a six-year pathway that bypasses the O-Levels and leads to Victoria Junior College. The SEC track is a four-year pathway leading to O-Level exams. The IP allows more space for critical thinking and self-directed learning compared to the SEC programme. 

Can students in O-Level track switch to IP or vice versa?

Both O-Level and IP are equally rigorous, designed for different learning styles. Some students may be invited to consider a change of track at the end of Lower Secondary, based on academic performance and learning disposition.

Would Cedar IP students be well-prepared for the A-Levels?

Yes. The IP students are well-prepared for the A-Levels through focus on critical thinking, research skills, and self-directed learning.

How does Cedar support students who may struggle in the Integrated Programme?

We offer academic support, counseling, and workshops. If necessary, students may transfer to the SEC track for a more structured way of learning. 

What is the student population ratio between the IP and SEC track?

Currently, our cohort is evenly split.

How many Secondary 1 classes does Cedar have, and what is the maximum class size?

Cedar typically has 8 in Lower Secondary, with class sizes ranging from 36 to 38 students.  In Upper Secondary, there may be more classes, with sizes ranging around 30+ students depending on subject combinations. 

What are the school’s reporting and class times?

Lessons typically run from 7.40 am to 3.40 pm, with occasional early dismissals. Thursdays may include late reporting or Home-based Learning (HBL) days, held every fortnight.

What are the affiliated JCs?

Cedar does not have affiliated Junior Colleges. However, IP students may transition to VJC after successfully completing the IP programme.

CURRICULUM

What subjects are offered for Sec 3 students?

We offer both 7 and 8 subject combinations to provide students with a choice of workload and to pursue their passion and interests. These combinations support their interest in humanities and/or science, and opportunities to pursue their interest through the Talent Development Programme.

Does Cedar offer Music Elective Programme or Art Elective Programme?

Cedar does not offer MEP or AEP in-house.

Can I take a third language?

Yes, students who meet criteria may apply to study a third language, such as French, German, Japanese, or Arabic. They may also apply to study the Malay Special Programme or Chinese Special Programme.

What is the TDP and when do students get selected for it?

You may find out more about our Talent Development programmes here: https://growwithcedar.educate.sg/learn-at-cedar

Is Higher Mother Tongue compulsory?

No, we also offer Mother Tongue. However, Higher Mother Tongue is compulsory for IP students.

Is Social Innovation available to both IP and SEC tracks?

Yes.

CCAs: PARTICIPATION & CHOICE

What CCAs are available in Cedar?

You may refer to the full list of our current CCAs here: https://growwithcedar.educate.sg/play-at-cedar

How are students selected into CCAs?

Allocation of students to CCAs takes into consideration students’ interests, aptitudes and the availability of vacancies. For certain CCAs, trials or auditions may be conducted to determine students’ suitability. The school is committed to ensure a fair and balanced allocation that supports the holistic development of every student.

Can students switch CCAs?

Students may request to switch CCAs, subject to the school’s approval, suitability, and availability of vacancies. Such requests are carefully considered to ensure commitment and support students’ holistic development.

When are CCAs held and how frequent are CCA sessions?

CCAs are typically conducted three times a week from 3.50pm to 6.00pm.

WELL-BEING / SCHOOL CULTURE

What is the variety of food like in the canteen?

Currently we have 8 canteen vendors offering a variety of food, including 2 stalls that offer Halal options and 1 vegetarian food stall.

How long is the recess/break?

Our students typically have a 40-minute recess, as well as a 40-minute lunch break.

How does the school promote healthy eating?

The school works closely with our canteen vendors to ensure that the food they serve align with the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme requirements.

How does Cedar support students with learning challenges?

We have a support programme that suits students of different abilities. This includes the Guidance Programme, teacher consultations and peer tutoring programme.

How does the school support character building?

Character-building is central to Cedar’s mission, with opportunities for students to apply values like honesty and perseverance through community involvement and leadership roles.

Direct School Admission (DSA)

What DSA categories does Cedar offer?

Cedar offers DSA in the following areas:
  • Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
  • Performing Arts: Symphonic Band
  • Special Programme: Social Innovation (SI)

Sports DSA

Can my child apply for DSA Sports without prior experience?

Applicants who do not have prior experience may also apply. The school will assess applicants based on the selection criteria, which may include assessing the potential of the applicants.

What criteria are used to shortlist students for Sports DSA trials?

Please refer to the published criteria in our school website here.

Are all applicants invited for trials?

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for trials based on their application details.

Does holding a leadership role (e.g., prefect, CCA leader) help?

Sports merit remains the key consideration.

Will Sports DSA students represent Cedar in competitions?

All students, regardless of how they joined, must earn their spot on the competition team through consistent performance and commitment.

Symphonic Band DSA

Can piano players apply for Band DSA?

Yes. However, our DSA is focused on band instruments (e.g., brass, woodwind, percussion). A piano background may be helpful but applicants must be willing to learn a band instrument.

What’s the Band DSA audition like?

The individual audition conducted in a single session comprises two parts.
Part 1: Prepared Individual Item
  • Perform two contrasting pieces up to a maximum of 10 minutes.
  • Perform instrumental scales – Concert Bb, Eb, Ab and F major scales.

Part 2: Unprepared Individual Item
  • Sight-reading

Social Innovation (SI)

What is DSA Social Innovation about?

This is a talent area for students passionate about:
  • Solving real-world issues
  • Demonstrating creativity, empathy, teamwork, resilience, and communication

What activities are involved in the SI selection process?

Students complete:
  • A performance task
  • An interview
    No special preparation is required.

Is leadership experience required for SI?

Not required, but leadership helps demonstrate initiative and teamwork, aligning with the programme's goals.

Is there a CCA linked to Social Innovation?

No. SI students will be part of the Talent Development Programme and may choose any CCA.

Multiple Applications & Offers

Can my child apply for more than one DSA area?

Yes. Your child can apply for multiple DSA areas. If successful in more than one, only one offer can be accepted.

Will there be different quotas per DSA category?

Intake is based on applicant quality and school needs.

Will academic results be considered in DSA selection?

The skills and potential demonstrated by the student is the primary factor for consideration. Parents and students are encouraged to choose schools wisely based on the student’s aptitudes and strengths, bearing in mind the schools’ academic and non-academic requirements, and the programmes available to develop the area of talent.

Once your child has been given a confirmed offer, a place has been reserved for your child in the school. However, your child must achieve a PSLE score that qualifies them for Posting Group 3 in order for them to be allocated to Cedar Girls’. You may wish to visit https://go.gov.sg/posting-groups for more information on Posting Groups.

Do DSA students get special privileges?

All students have equal access to opportunities. DSA students must remain committed to their CCA/programme for all four years.