Parliamentary Replies
After-School Programmes
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Hri Kumar Nair, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
Question
To ask the Minister for Education whether primary and secondary schools are required to implement any after-school programs to assist students who are not coping in their studies.
Response
Schools employ a variety of initiatives to help students who are not coping in their studies—both during and after school. This is necessary as many such students require help with issues such as social and emotional management, attitude towards learning, and family- related problems.
In primary schools, specialised early intervention programmes are provided for pupils who lack basic English literacy and numeracy skills. The key interventions are the Learning Support Programme (LSP) for English at P1 and P2, and Learning Support for Mathematics (LSM) at P1. These programmes are implemented by Learning Support Co-ordinators (LSCs) and LSM teachers who are qualified teachers specially trained by MOE. For other primary and secondary students who need additional help in their studies, remedial classes are organised and conducted by teachers based on the needs of the students.
Schools are increasingly tapping on their Parent Support Groups, alumni members and other stakeholders to help run programmes and provide mentorship to motivate their students. Schools work collaboratively with Family Service Centres (FSCs) and other Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) to conduct courses and engage the students and their families.
MOE provides additional resources to schools such as allied educators who provide counselling and guidance to the students, special needs support and assistance to teachers in academic and non-academic subjects.
MOE has also worked with MCYS to increase the number of school-based Student Care Centres (SCCs) in primary schools to provide a conducive and safe learning environment for children who need supervision and support before and after school. We have taken up the recommendation by the Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI) Committee to provide for SCCs in the design of all new generation of primary schools.