JC 2026 Key Changes: Curriculum, PW, UAS & H2 Chemistry Syllabus Update

JC 2026 Key Changes: What Students and Parents Should Know

Several significant changes to the Junior College (JC) curriculum and assessment system have been implemented from the 2024 cohort onwards and are now fully in effect for 2026 JC students. Here is a complete overview of what has changed.

1. Project Work (PW) — Pass/Fail from 2024 Cohort

From the 2024 JC1 cohort onwards, Project Work (PW) is graded on a pass/fail basis instead of the previous S–U grading. Students are required to attain a Pass in PW as a pre-requisite for receiving the A-Level certificate. This means PW has higher stakes than before — failing PW means students cannot receive their A-Level results.

2. Revised University Admissions Score (UAS)

The University Admissions Score (UAS) has been revised. The maximum UAS is now 70 points, calculated from:

• 3 H2 subjects
• General Paper (GP) or Knowledge and Inquiry (KI)
• Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or H1 subject (if it improves the score)

The fourth content-based subject is now included only if it improves the candidate’s UAS score. This was confirmed in the 2025 A-Level results (released 27 February 2026), where 94.7% of 10,977 candidates attained at least 3 H2 passes.

3. New H2 Chemistry Syllabus (9729) — Effective 2026

The H2 Chemistry syllabus has been updated from the previous 9647 to the new 9729 syllabus. Students sitting A-Levels from 2026 onwards are examined on 9729. Key differences include:

• Revised Physical Chemistry topics (updated thermodynamics and electrochemistry chapters)
• New application-based question formats in Papers 2 and 3
• Updated Data Booklet to match 9729 content
• Greater emphasis on real-world chemistry applications

4. Subject-Based Banding (SBB) at Upper Secondary

Students entering JC from 2026 come from the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) system at secondary school. JC teachers can expect students with varied academic profiles — some excelling in specific subjects while being at a lower level in others. This affects how JC Chemistry tutors should differentiate instruction.

5. Integrated Programme (IP) Updates

Several IP schools have updated their internal curriculum to align with the new 9729 H2 Chemistry syllabus for their JC years. Students in IP programmes should confirm with their school’s science department which syllabus version they are being prepared for.

What This Means for JC Chemistry Students

For students taking H2 Chemistry in 2026, the key actions are:

• Ensure your revision materials and past papers use the new 9729 syllabus
• Take Project Work seriously — it is now a pass/fail requirement
• Understand how the revised UAS is calculated when planning your subject combination

Achievers Dream offers JC H2 Chemistry tuition fully aligned with the 9729 syllabus. Our classes are updated to reflect all 2026 curriculum changes.