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There’s a new O-Level subject called “Computing”. Here’s what you need to know

2016-03-02 , 10:11 am

Last Updated on 2016-05-18 , 4:57 pm

19 Secondary schools will be offering a new O-Level subject next year. “Computing” will be introduced at the Secondary 3 level, while the existing “Computer Studies” subject will be phased out.

What will students learn?
It will cover topics like programming, algorithm, data management and computer architecture. While the existing “Computer Studies” subject does not require students to write a program, the new “Computing” subject will. Students will learn Python, a widely-used high-level programming language that will be “relevant in meeting real-world needs” according to teachers.

Hands-on learning will also be crucial and Computing candidates are required to solve real-world problems using computing concepts. During the O-Level exams, students will have to code a program. The list of schools set to offer this subject was not disclosed though it is said to include Zhonghua Secondary School, Chung Cheng High (Yishun) and Bukit View Secondary School.

Why is this new subject important?
Many applauded the move, including the vice-principal of Bukit View Secondary School, who said that “the skills of computational thinking and logical reasoning will put them in good stead in any science, technology, engineering and maths fields.”

According to a 2015 Microsoft survey of 250 Singapore students under 24 years old, 76 percent of respondents wanted to know more about coding, and 66 percent wish that coding could be offered as a core subject in their schools. Despite this enthusiasm and interest in coding, “only 45 percent of students said they have an opportunity to learn coding in school, whether as a core subject or an extracurricular activity. This is one of the lowest figures among the countries surveyed.”

Therefore, this new O-Level subject can be seen as a step in the right direction, in light of Singapore’s “Smart Nation” initiative which was launched last year, with the vision of “using technology to improve lives and business”. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in his speech introducing the initiative that “we must get our children in schools exposed to IT, exposed to programming. It is a long way for us, but in some countries, all kids are required to learn to code, at least the basics, so you understand what it is about, even though you may not write the next Windows operating system.”

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There’s a new O-Level subject called “Computing”. Here’s what you need to know

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