Private Candidate Subject Limits
- A maximum of 8 subjects, with the four core subjects (Chinese, English, Mathematics, Citizenship and Social Development) compulsory;
- Science subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology etc.) require extra evidence of relevant experience;
- Category B Applied Learning subjects are open to school candidates only, not private candidates;
- The subject "Design and Applied Technology" cannot be taken by private candidates.
School-Based Assessment (SBA)
- For Category A subjects with SBA, private candidates do not take part in the SBA component (except Visual Arts);
- The whole subject is graded from the public written examination only, using a unified standard;
- Visual Arts private candidates must submit a portfolio in place of SBA, worth 50% of the subject.
Transition from the Mainland Curriculum
Mainland senior Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology overlap heavily with the DSE, but the DSE stresses application and explanation, so you need extra training in open-ended answers and experimental design.
Chinese: Simplified characters are accepted, but reading and writing emphasise critical analysis. English: the whole paper is in English, testing listening, speaking, reading and writing equally (Paper 1 Reading 23.5%, Paper 2 Writing 29.4%, Paper 3 Listening and Integrated Skills 35.3%, Paper 4 Speaking 11.8%).