Through-train

Name and Constituency of  Member of Parliament

Mr Christopher de Souza, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) if he will provide data on how 'through-train' students of the current cohort are performing in their A level course as compared to students who did their O levels, the comparison being based on students who had similar PSLE results; (b) what was the rationale for introducing 'through-train'; and (c) whether its objectives are being met.

Response

1. The first batch of ‘through-train’ or Integrated Programme students who joined the programme at Secondary 3 in 2004 will be taking their A-levels or the International Baccalaureate examinations at the end of this year.  So we are unable to compare their performance with the rest of their peers as yet.

2. Mr de Souza asked about the rationale for the Integrated Programme, or IP.  As outlined in the 2002 Review of Junior College and Upper Secondary education, the IP aims to provide a broad-based education that cultivates in our top students the qualities that will help them make a difference in work and life. It seeks to nurture intellectual curiosity, leadership, teamwork and communication skills and most importantly, sound values.

3. The IP schools have been using the time freed up from not having to prepare for the O-levels by providing their students with broader and deeper learning experiences such as through independent research, seminars, fieldwork, expeditions and overseas immersions.  For example, Raffles Institution’s Research Education programme allows students to engage extensively with external experts, develop their own research skills as well as learn life skills as “apprentices” in an authentic research environment.  One student spent two years studying distribution patterns of marine snails under guidance from NUH experts.  He won the best presentation award at the SEAMEO[1] Young Scientists’ Conference last year, and will continue his research this year.