CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh)
Complete guide to CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) for P6 parents — Art Elective Programme, Express and Normal tracks, CCAs, and DSA-Sec admission pathways.
CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) — commonly known as CHIJ Sec — is a government-aided, autonomous, Catholic school for girls located on Lorong 1 Toa Payoh in central Singapore. Part of the CHIJ (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus) family of schools, it combines the national curriculum with values-based character development in the CHIJ tradition. As an autonomous school, CHIJ Sec has greater flexibility over curriculum enrichment and co-curricular programming than standard government schools.
CHIJ Sec offers the mainstream Express and Normal academic tracks with full Subject-Based Banding; it is not an Integrated Programme school. The school is distinctive for offering the Art Elective Programme (AEP), one of MOE's national art development pathways, available at only a small number of secondary schools — giving CHIJ Sec a strong visual arts identity.
Programmes and Curriculum
Express and Normal Tracks
CHIJ Sec offers the mainstream Express (O-Level) and Normal academic tracks with full Subject-Based Banding, allowing students to take individual subjects at higher levels based on their strengths.
For P6 families: CHIJ Sec is a mainstream autonomous school rather than an IP school. Track placement follows the S1 posting framework. Refer to the CHIJ Sec official website for the current academic programme structure.
Art Elective Programme (AEP)
CHIJ Sec offers the Art Elective Programme (AEP), an MOE-designated programme where students study art as a formal academic subject, covering studio practice and art history alongside the mainstream curriculum. AEP is available at only a small number of secondary schools in Singapore and is a recognised DSA-Sec talent pathway, as well as a route towards art study at the junior college level.
For context on the DSA-Sec process, see What is DSA-Sec?.
Co-Curricular Activities
CHIJ Sec runs CCAs across Performing Arts, Sports and Games, Clubs and Societies, and Uniformed Groups.
Performing Arts
- Choir
- Concert Band
Sports and Games
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Netball
- Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Visual Arts
- Art Club / Art Elective Programme
Clubs and Societies and Uniformed Groups
- Debating
- Girl Guides
- Various community service groups in the CHIJ tradition
CCA names and availability may change. The CHIJ Sec official website is the authoritative source for the current CCA list.
Campus and Facilities
CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) is located at 626 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319764 in the Toa Payoh area of central Singapore.
Nearest MRT:
- Toa Payoh (North South Line NS19) — approximately a 5-minute walk
- Braddell (North South Line NS18) — approximately a 6-minute walk
Campus facilities include general and specialist classrooms, science laboratories, art studios for the Art Elective Programme, a multi-purpose hall, performing arts and music spaces, and sports courts. For current facility details and a campus map, refer to the CHIJ Sec official website.
Admission Pathways
PSLE and S1 Posting
CHIJ Sec admits students through the S1 posting exercise across its Express and Normal posting bands. The cut-off point (COP) differs by track and changes each year. For current and historical PSLE COP data, see PSLE COP historical data.
DSA-Sec Admission
CHIJ Sec participates in DSA-Sec across visual arts, sports, performing arts, and academic talent areas. As a girls' autonomous school with the Art Elective Programme, a strong rhythmic gymnastics, netball, and racket-sports tradition, and an active band and debating culture, CHIJ Sec's DSA tends to attract applicants across these strengths — with the AEP being a notable draw for visual arts talent. DSA offers place students into the school's mainstream tracks.
The specific talent areas offered change from year to year. Use the DSA-Sec School Finder for the current year's full list. For key application dates, see the DSA-Sec Timeline. For preparation by talent area, see DSA Interview Preparation. For historical results context, see DSA Results.
Achievements and Recognition
CHIJ Sec holds the status of an autonomous school under MOE, within the CHIJ family of schools, and is recognised for its Art Elective Programme.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| School type | Government-aided, Autonomous |
| Gender | Single-sex girls' school |
| Academic tracks | Express, Normal (Academic), Normal (Technical) |
| AEP | MOE-designated Art Elective Programme |
| Heritage | CHIJ (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus) |
The school has received various MOE recognition and development awards over the years. For verified award details, refer to the MOE recognition listings and the CHIJ Sec official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) only for girls?
Yes. CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) is a single-sex school for girls.
Does CHIJ Sec offer IP?
No. CHIJ Sec offers the mainstream Express (O-Level) and Normal academic tracks. It is not an Integrated Programme school.
What is the Art Elective Programme (AEP) at CHIJ Sec?
The Art Elective Programme (AEP) is an MOE-designated programme where students study art as a formal academic subject, covering studio practice and art history. It is offered at only a small number of secondary schools in Singapore. AEP is a recognised DSA-Sec talent pathway — students with strong visual arts ability can apply through DSA-Sec for the art talent area. Check the CHIJ Sec DSA admissions page for the current year's criteria, and see DSA Interview Preparation for general guidance.
What PSLE score does my daughter need for CHIJ Sec?
CHIJ Sec is an autonomous school competitive for its Express and Normal posting bands, with the COP differing by track and changing each year. For current and historical data, see PSLE COP historical data.
Does CHIJ Sec offer DSA-Sec?
Yes. CHIJ Sec participates in DSA-Sec across visual arts (AEP), sports, performing arts, and academic talent areas. Use the DSA-Sec School Finder to see the current year's offerings.
What happens if my daughter is not offered a DSA place at CHIJ Sec?
Not receiving a DSA offer does not affect the standard S1 PSLE posting process. Students can still be posted to CHIJ Sec if their PSLE score qualifies and they rank the school in their choices. Students who accept a DSA offer from any school are withdrawn from the S1 posting exercise entirely.
Related Schools and Resources
Schools with Similar Profiles
These schools share one or more characteristics with CHIJ Sec — girls-only, CHIJ family, autonomous, or the Art Elective Programme:
- CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School — IP + O-Level, Girls, SAP, Ang Mo Kio
- Bukit Panjang Govt. High School — Express + Normal, Co-ed, AEP, Choa Chu Kang
- Crescent Girls' School — Express + Normal, Girls, MEP, Redhill
- Tanjong Katong Girls' School — Express + Normal, Girls, MEP, Paya Lebar
DSA Preparation Resources
- DSA-Sec School Finder — filter by talent area and school
- DSA-Sec Timeline — key dates for the application cycle
- What is DSA-Sec? — the complete process explained
- DSA Results — historical results data across schools
- DSA Interview Preparation — preparation guides by talent area