Have you ever heard that one decision can change one life? Who you are today exists because of the choices you made. The same goes for everyone else, even for high school students. Choosing the senior high school strand that is right for you has been part of your mind as soon as you enter your secondary level of education. One of the questions that you probably never stop asking yourself is whether or not the STEM programme in Singapore is right for you.
To know the answer to this question, read through this article. Doing so will help you weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision later.
What Is The STEM Education In Singapore?
Before you learn what STEM education is for, you need to know that the acronym STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Unlike other countries that offer STEM courses, STEM education in Singapore combines these four into a single integrated learning model to help students emphasise the lessons they have learned in real-world applications.
Nevertheless, here are the subjects that fall under the STEM programme:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- Psychology
- Statistics
Pursuing STEM education does not only give high school students skills that increase their employability but also helps them get ready to meet the current and future labour demands.
3 Reasons To Choose The STEM Programme In Singapore
If the definition of STEM education overwhelms you, let these reasons ease your mind and persuade you to choose the STEM programme as your senior high school strand.
1. STEM Jobs Are The Future Of The Global Economy
As the world’s technology and innovation advances, expect STEM jobs to become more demanding in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau Of Labour Statistics, employment in STEM jobs will increase up to 10.5 % by 2030.
That year is not yet too far from now. If you take the STEM programme in Singapore now, you will be able to fulfil the growing demand for STEM jobs by then. You can expect to receive a high paying salary, even at an entry level, as long as you have the skills and experience they are looking for.
2. Enhance Adaptability
Another reason why you should choose to take STEM courses is to be able to adapt to change. Everyone knows that change can be unsettling, especially for the youth. Even if that is the case, the STEM programme offers professional development in Singapore that helps students like you to have the confidence to face the harsh reality of life.
Learning new skills might not be easy since you have to go through trial and error before you can even master them, but with never-ending grit and determination, your hard work can go a long way. Despite the continuous growth of technology and innovation, you can still adapt to anything.
3. Improve Problem Solving Skills
Once you take the STEM courses in Singapore, expect to answer one problem after another. You should also expect that the STEM programme here often uses real-life problems during hands-on activities so students like you can think more logically and come up with the most optimal answer to solve the problem.
In the long run, your critical thinking skills will start from figuring out the root problem, proposing a hypothesis, testing it, jotting down the data, and thinking of a sustainable solution.
4 Questions To Ask Yourself Choosing Your Senior High School Strand: Is The STEM Programme The Right For You?
Making a decision is never easy. But things become more challenging when your future relies on it. Before your junior high school year ends, make sure you have decided and chosen your senior high school strands.
To help you decide, read the following questions and ask them yourself. Be sure to take your time so you can think of the right and suitable answer to each question before moving to the next.
1. What are the subjects you excel at and enjoy?
If your answer is the subjects mentioned above, chances are you will have to enjoy taking STEM courses in Singapore. Every class will not seem like you are studying since you are learning new things and improving your skills.
2. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Psychologists, Software Developers, Civil Engineers, and Statisticians are some of the STEM jobs and career paths people who took STEM courses had become. If what you want to become when you grow up belongs to that list, the only way to make that come true is to pursue the STEM programme in Singapore.
3. Who have you spoken with about your choice?
To have a better understanding of the career path you want to take, make sure to speak with the people who took STEM courses. They can give you more valuable insight that can help you make the right decision whether or not the STEM programme is right for you.
4. Are you just pursuing the STEM programme for the money?
You might think that money can make you happy, but that is not true. If you pursue a career path that you have no interest in, it will only make you depressed. In the long run, you might question why you make this decision.
Before that prediction happens, consider asking yourself this question. If not, and you want to pursue the STEM programme in Singapore because you love science, you have your answer to the question of this article.
Conclusion
To succeed in life, you need to choose your future wisely. Remember, once you choose a STEM Programme as your senior high school strand, you are only a few steps away from your future career path.
If you want to stand out among your peers, be prepared for the future by signing up for professional development courses in Singapore. Go to IDE Academy Singapore’s website or give them a call at +65 9888 9771 if you think you are ready to challenge yourself and take STEM courses.
