Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Cedar Girls' Secondary School, covering admissions, curriculum, CCAs, and school life.
Frequently Asked Questions Questions on Direct School Admission (DSA)
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 (opens in new tab)
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 (opens in new tab)
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.