Teachers Syllabus Stress

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Marine Parade GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether there have been any studies carried out to ensure that teachers are able to complete the syllabus for the academic curriculum within a year without being overly stressed.

Response

1. MOE reviews the curriculum regularly to ensure that  knowledge and skills taught are relevant to the needs of the economy and society. 

2. Syllabuses are not designed to be covered in one year, but over a number of years.  The lower primary curriculum spans four years and the upper primary curriculum spans two years.  Likewise, the secondary curriculum is four years for students in the Express and Normal (Technical) course or five years for those in the Normal (Academic) course.

3. Teachers have the flexibility to decide on the pacing for each academic year, depending on the needs and abilities of students.  Since 2005, we have also reduced content to provide for 15-20%  white space to allow for customisation based on student profile.

4. MOE is mindful that the content covered in the syllabuses are reasonable and within the ability of the vast majority of students and teachers. We set up review committees and hold focus group discussions to gather feedback on whether the syllabus is appropriately pitched for the average student and if it can be completed within the stipulated curriculum time.   There is extensive and iterative consultation both before and after the design of every syllabus.

5. MOE will continue to work closely with our teachers to support them in making learning meaningful and engaging for students. 
 

School Bullying

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Associate Professor Kalyani K Mehta, Nominated Member

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether teachers are trained to detect and address the phenomenon of school bullying; (b) whether there are clear policies for principals to follow when such incidences occur in their schools; and (c) whether there are protocols for teachers to follow when students complain to them about a bullying incident either as a victim or bystander and, if not, when will such procedures be considered for implementation.

Response

Bullying in schools is regarded as a serious matter, and classified as a serious disciplinary offence.  

The short answer to all the 3 questions is “Yes”.  Let me elaborate.

There is a clear policy for Principals.  MOE has issued discipline guidelines to all schools.  Each school then formulates its own specific rules and procedures.

All schools have protocols for dealing with discipline issues, including bullying.  A whole-school approach with a clear referral system is generally used.  This referral system provides teachers with the necessary steps to take in dealing with discipline cases and informs them of the different channels, including external agencies, that they can seek help from.  It also helps to ensure that teachers are better able to manage discipline cases, including bullying.  Schools investigate all reported incidents of bullying and work to resolve them quickly.

Teachers are trained in pupil management during their pre-service training and this is reinforced during their practicum and as they learn on the job.  They are also supported by more senior teachers and Heads of Department in dealing with discipline matters.  To further support teachers, MOE developed a ‘School Bullying Management Kit’ which was shared with all secondary schools recently.  The kit further enhances the school personnel’s knowledge of what bullying is, how they can reach out to and assist students who have been bullied and how teachers can help students respond to bullying. Plans are underway to develop a similar kit for primary schools.

MOE has also developed online resources such as the Discipline Resource Kit for the management of discipline, and the Social Emotional Learning Website to help schools equip their students with knowledge and skills to handle challenging situations.

Despite the best efforts of our teachers and schools, there may be cases of bullying which go unnoticed or where victims do not show signs of being bullied.  We welcome feedback from parents to help our schools better identify potential problems and nip them in the bud.

SYF

Name and Constituency of  Member of Parliament

Mr Baey Yam Keng, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what is the annual budget for the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) for the last five years, with a breakdown into the categories of performing arts, sports and uniformed groups; (b) how the success of the SYF is measured; and (c) what are some examples of its key achievements.

Response

(a)        The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) is organised for primary schools in even numbered years and for the secondary schools and junior colleges/centralised institute in the odd numbered years. As some events organised for the primary schools differ from those organised for the secondary schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes, so the cost for running SYF for the different levels differ as well.  The average budget for the last three primary level SYF was about $930,000 while the average budget for the last three secondary, junior college, centralised institute level SYF was about $502,000.

(b) The SYF plays an important role in promoting the development of the arts in our schools. Its objectives are to encourage mass participation in performing arts CCAs, promote the growth of an arts culture in our schools and raising standards in arts education. The SYF also showcase the diverse talents of our students in the arts.  The SYF is a 2-step process each year. In April, the central judging benchmarks the standards of performing arts groups in schools by assessing them in 6 categories: band, Chinese orchestra, choir, dance, drama and instrumental ensembles. Schools that do well in each category are then selected and showcased in the festival in July.  Each year, more than 20 events are staged under SYF and the performances reach out to ticketed audience at formal concert halls as well as members of the public at shopping centres and parks. The SYF also showcases students in track & field and UG events.

c)         The success of the SYF is measured based on a broad set of deliverables. The deliverables are:

• % of schools that participated in the annual SYF events
• Trend data on participation rates by levels (Pr, Sec, JC)
• Trend data on Overall Award Distribution for SYF Central Judging
• Number of schools attaining Sustained Achievement Award (Aesthetics)

Trend study on the participation rates by levels (primary, secondary and JC) over the last 6 years shows a positive trend of students participating in the SYF Central Judging. The increase for each festival over the preceding festival for the level has been between 9% and 27%. 

Schools have also performed better in the annual SYF Central Judging. Trend study on the overall award distribution for SYF Central Judging from 2002-2007 also shows a higher percentage of items attaining at least a Silver Award in this benchmarking platform. In the 2007 SYF, 70% of items attained at least a Silver Award.

There is an increasing number of schools attaining the Sustained Achievement Award for Aesthetics from 2002-2007. In 2002, 10 schools were awarded the Sustained Achievement Award for Aesthetics while in 2006, 26 institutions received the same award. 

The greatest testimony of the achievement and success of SYF is the vibrant performing arts scene in schools, which in turn builds a strong audience and performer base for the arts in Singapore. Today, there are a total of 1,018 performing groups of various kinds in our secondary schools and JCs and 745 in primary schools. In 2006-07, 97.7% of all primary schools, 98.8% of all secondary schools and 90% of all junior colleges/centralised institute participated in at least one of the SYF platforms.

SNYO

Name and Constituency of  Member of Parliament

Mr Baey Yam Keng, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) what is the annual budget for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra for the last five years; and (b) how is its performance measured.

Response

a)         The average annual budget for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) for the last 5 years (FY 2003 – 2007) was approximately $420,000.

b)         The 200–strong SNYO aims to provide each member with an exemplary orchestral experience and the highest quality professional music education and training, as part of their education. Another objective of the SNYO is to develop future musicians and audience. As such, the main measures of performance relate to their musicianship development through mentorship by practising musicians, and their performances. The SNYO performs 3 public concerts a year.  Every year, the SNYO members also perform with artistes of international repute under the auspices of the International Artistes Series. Concert tours are arranged once every 3 years during which the SNYO takes part in international festivals or competitions. Such experiences further hone members’ performance skills and broaden their musical experiences.

In addition, the SNYO has won accolades in international music festivals or competitions.  During their overseas tour in 2005, the SNYO participated in the 34th International Youth and Music Festival held in Vienna, Austria, and was awarded a joint first with PRC. 

Lastly, some SNYO members have become musicians themselves.   More than 30 former members of the SNYO have performed as members of the SSO.