MOE Takes Holistic Approach to Developing Students' Character Beyond Academics

We thank Mr G. Lakshmanan for his letter on the importance of developing students' character ("Character should be central to definition of educational success, Jul 30").

As Education Minister Desmond Lee has emphasised, lessons such as Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) are equally important, if not more important than studies. Education extends far beyond academic achievement and this is why all our schools are committed to the holistic development of every student. We hope to build good values, character, and social-emotional well-being in a caring and enabling environment.

Through CCE lessons in school, students learn to recognise and regulate their emotions, develop a sense of empathy for others, build meaningful relationships and make responsible decisions. Such learning is reinforced beyond the classroom through co-curricular activities, learning journeys, Values-in-Action programmes and outdoor adventure learning camps.

Knowing that students are growing up in a world that is marked by change and uncertainty, teachers cultivate mindsets and skills to help students remain resilient in the face of challenges, and regularly check in on their well-being.

The Ministry of Education will continue to develop our students holistically and nurture the values and competencies that will enable them to thrive in life. Schools cannot do this alone. We value parents' partnership with schools to develop their child holistically and reinforce at home their character-building and social-emotional development.

Ms Loh Wee Cheng
Divisional Director, Student Development Curriculum Division 1
Ministry of Education