Effects of Broadening Through-Train System in Schools

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education how the Ministry will ensure that the broadening through-train system, which places less emphasis on examinations, does not dilute the need for students to be taught how to communicate effectively on paper and orally.

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Mr Heng Swee Keat: All our schools are aware of the need to nurture students to become effective communicators. As such, the inculcation of written and oral skills in students is a key aspect of the "through-train" Integrated Programme (IP) and mainstream "O" level system.

The IP curriculum is designed to broaden students' educational experiences, including communication skills, critical thinking and creativity. A programme common to IP schools is independent research studies. The interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the programme lends itself very well to the teaching and learning of communication skills. Emphasis is placed on independent learning, and assessment takes many different forms. Students have to produce written reports and demonstrate oral communication skills through oral presentations of their research projects. In addition, the students are regularly provided with class-based assessment tasks on effective communication skills through the various subjects.

With the emphasis on written and oral communication skills in the IP schools, the students' ability to communicate effectively will be further enhanced.

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