The Integrated Programme (IP), is one of the MOE’s strategies to develop high-ability students in Singapore. Students in IP receive enriched and extended curriculum in their school days, with the aim of preparing them for higher education and leadership roles in society. IP is a 6-year programme that either leads to the GCE A Level, IB (Diploma) or the NUS High School Diploma. Students here “skip” the GCE O levels & it is understood that much more can be done instead of maintaining focus on a major exam. Many students start in the Integrated Programme right after PSLE while others transfer at various intermediate points.

The enriched and extended curriculum in the IP schools often includes challenging and interesting projects, research attachments to institutions of higher learning, and opportunities to work with experienced professionals in various fields. These experiences better prepare IP students for university and beyond.

 However, it is important to note that the IP stream is not for everyone. The competitive and high-stress environment may not be suitable for all students, and not all students will flourish in such an environment. Students who cannot cope leave the Integrated Programme and proceed to a Secondary School. This is often seen as a source of “discomfort” for the struggling students & their parents. This can leave a permanent “scar” in a student’s self-esteem which may affect them throughout their academic journey. Students who have difficulty coping will perform better with private tuition. The home tutor will act as an additional learning resource outside the school environment. Since the course material is challenging, the private tutor must have the required experience and must come from a top tuition agency.

There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of student performance in the IP schools. Some people believe that students who attend highly competitive programmes are under a lot of pressure and that this can negatively impact their performance. Others believe that students who attend these schools are more likely to perform well because they are being taught by the best teachers and have access to the best resources. The stiff competition between students drive each student to uncover their full academic potential. These students are also held to a higher standard by their teachers who constantly devise learning strategies to differentiate level of student abilities.

The truth is that there is no one answer to this question. Each student is different and will respond to the rigours of the Integrated Programme in their own way. Some students thrive in an environment where they are pushed to their limits, while others may crumble under the pressure.