The wealth of a nation lies in its people - their commitment to country and community, their willingness to strive and persevere, their ability to think, achieve and excel. Our future depends on our continually renewing and regenerating our leadership and citizenry, building upon the experience of the past, learning from the circumstances of the present, and preparing for the challenges of the future. How we bring up our young at home and teach them in school will shape Singapore in the next generation.
The mission of the Education Service is to mould the future of the nation, by moulding the people who will determine the future of the nation. The Service will provide our children with a balanced and well-rounded education, develop them to their full potential, and nurture them into good citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to family, society and country.
People are our most precious resource. Every citizen is valuable and has a unique contribution to make. Through education every individual can realise his full potential, use his talents and abilities to benefit his community and nation, and lead a full and satisfying life.
Every child must be encouraged to progress through the education system as far as his ability allows. Advancement must always depend on performance and merit to ensure equal opportunity for all.
Every child should be taught at a pace he can cope with. Each should be stimulated to excel according to his individual aptitudes. The system must be flexible, to cope with pupils who mature mentally, physically, emotionally and socially at different rates.
Every child must learn to take pride in his work, to do his best and excel in whatever he does, and to value and respect honest work.
Education equips us with the skills and knowledge, as well as the right values and attitudes to assure the livelihood of the individual and the country's survival and success. We must learn to be self-reliant, yet able to work closely with others; individually competitive, yet with a strong social conscience. We must be flexible in mind and outlook to adapt constantly to a rapidly changing world. We must have firm moral bearings to give us strength in a world of shifting values.
Pupils must know our common history, our vulnerabilities and constraints. They must develop a sense of shared identity and destiny, the instinct to defend Singapore's national interests, and the resolve and confidence to stand together as one people, to overcome threats and challenges.
Education helps to preserve our cultural roots. Our pupils ought to know their own cultural heritages and mother tongues. At the same time they must learn to understand and respect the different racial, religious, cultural and language backgrounds of their fellow citizens.
The Education Service is committed to building up teachers as a quality professional force, exemplary in conduct and commitment, up-to-date in skills and knowledge. We will provide teachers with the resources and the environment to do their job well. We will look after their development and well-being so that they can concentrate on giving their best to their pupils. Good leadership and sound people-oriented management will help to develop a cohesive, committed and competent teaching service.
Teachers must keep up with professional developments in their fields, and judiciously apply new educational theories and practices to the classroom. They need drive and conviction to translate education policies into practical and effective programmes to meet the learning needs of their pupils.
Teachers are mentors and role models to their pupils. They influence young minds and inculcate sound social and moral values through word and deed, within and outside the classroom. They must impart to pupils learning skills, thinking skills and life skills to cope with the future; an attitude of continuous learning and improvement; and a sense of commitment and belonging to Singapore.
We can only succeed in our mission with the full support and confidence of parents and the community. We seek to work together with them as partners, to develop our children to their fullest potential. Education will make our children's future, while our children will make the future for Singapore.
The Singapore Education Service - Moulding the Future of Our Nation
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THE BASIS FOR SURVIVAL AND SUCCESS