Such a system ensures that weaker students would have some technical skills to fall back on when they leave school. Finally, to be prepared for life in a modern industrialised society, children must acquire the basic technical skills which will enable them to function effectively in a technological environment. As a result, on par with the study of English as the first language is the study of mathematics and science. Science is part of the school curriculum from Primary Four. The polytechnics in Singapore provide a very intense work-related training and education leading to diplomas in specific career related areas.
Students enter the polytechnics after their O-levels and study for three years.
The polytechnics are unique in that they provide the highly very important middle-level support sector for business and industry. This has been a neglected area in many other systems where tertiary education almost always means degree level courses. The four polytechnics, each sized for 12,000 students, have established a reputation for both innovation and strong industry relevance. The four polytechnics collectively offer a diverse range of courses ranging from traditional engineering and information technology courses to non-traditional courses like nursing, tourism and hospitality, communication studies and design. The rapid expansion of formal education according to the rate of economic development, has left a significant portion of the work force without appropriate qualifications.