Northlight School (Chinese: 北烁学校) is a school in Singapore established by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for students with difficulties handling the mainstream curriculum in the country. The school started its operations formally in January 2007 to assist students at risk of dropping out of school. Admission to the school is based on at least two failed attempts at the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). The school also accepts those who have yet to complete secondary education.[1]
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Northlight has two campuses situated in Singapore: Campus 1 at Dunman Road and Campus 2 at Jalan Ubi. The two campuses differ mainly in the curricula offered: Campus 1 provides the three-year enhanced vocational programme while Campus 2 provides the existing two-year programInstitute of Technical Education Skills Certificate (ISC) Course.[1]
The school is headed by its founding principal, Chua Yen Ching. Working with Mrs Chua are teachers whose contributions to education in Singapore have been recognised by the Ministry of Education.[2]
The curriculum draws its inspirations from the Life Learning Academy in San Francisco. The curriculum, primarily vocational, emphasises on developing emotional strength and instilling life-skills in the students. The curriculum includes a wide range of vocational options. In addition, there is a 10-week long industrial attachment to ensure the relevance of the skills picked up at school to real time employment needs. There is a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme to cater to the needs of students beyond the academics. The school has full time, in-house counsellors to assist students troubled by social and emotional challenges.
Fees for courses range from $90 to $205 per semester depending on the course level and nationality of the applicant.[3]
Financial assistance available to students includes:
The Good Progress Award, valued at $150, is given to the top 10% of students who show commendable improvement in their studies. The Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES), valued at $150, are given to students in recognition of their excellence in non-academic areas.[5][3]