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Parliamentary Replies

May 29, 2009

Sexuality Education

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Marine Parade GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education:

  1. whether he will give an update on the sexuality education programmes being conducted in schools, specifically the processes and review of such programmes;
  2. what other school programmes/activities have been outsourced to Voluntary Welfare Organisations and commercial organisations; and
  3. what are the measures and guidelines that the Ministry has in place with regard to safety, moral and professional standards.

Response by Minister Ng Eng Hen

I have given a comprehensive update on MOE’s sexuality programme which was widely reported to the public on 21 May 2009 and therefore do not intend to repeat those points. I will address the other queries of the Member.

Teachers and principals are accountable for what is taught in schools. Nevertheless, schools do engage external providers and community groups to run or assist in enrichment and co-curricular programmes ranging from outdoor education camps, to specialised programmes in art, music and sports, and to promote volunteerism and facilitate character development. In this way, schools are able to draw from a wider base of expertise and experiences in the holistic development of our students. Parents and community are also involved either through PSG (Parents Support Group) or COMPASS (COMmunity and Parents in Support of Schools). These are positive developments and should not only continue but MOE hopes deepen over time. As the saying goes, it takes “a village to develop a child”.

MOE agrees with the member that we should ensure “safety, moral and professional standards”, even as we involve more partners. Guidelines are in place for engaging external agencies, and require schools to examine the vendors’ qualifications, track record, programme and training materials to ensure that the services they provide are aligned to the school programmes. A teacher must also be present with the students during these programmes. For example, schools are allowed to engage external instructors to conduct activities in co-curricular activities (CCA). In engaging such personnel, schools post their requirements in GeBIZ (Government Electronic Business) stating the qualifications and experience needed. Schools would then interview the potential vendor and instructors before deciding on their employment. Where the vendor and instructors are new to the schools, their lessons and activities are observed by the teacher-in-charge or the Head of Department. In addition, specialists from the Co-Curricular Activities Branch also conduct induction workshops for service providers on MOE’s expectations in terms of code of conduct, professionalism and safety standards and practices.

In Jingshan Primary, for instance, the school has engaged an external vendor (Acropolis) to conduct a drama programme for Primary 2 pupils. The programme lasts a term and is run once a week. The teachers sit in the classes to supervise and to learn. At the end of the programme the pupils stage a performance for their parents. The school also has a similar programme (by Literacy Plus) for P3 pupils on oral presentations and the conduct of this programme is similar to the P2 drama programme.