COMPULSORY EXTRA LESSONS DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

COMPULSORY EXTRA LESSONS DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

28.

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Education (a) how many schools conduct compulsory extra lessons for their students during the March or June school holidays; (b) how many students are involved for each school that conducts compulsory extra lessons; and (c) what is the rationale for having compulsory extra lessons during school holidays.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: All schools appreciate the school holidays as a break from formal curriculum. Nevertheless, to give additional support for students' learning, or further enrichment, the majority of our schools do conduct activities especially during the March and June holidays. Such activities might include overseas exchanges, excursions, camps, enrichment or remedial classes. When planning these activities, schools try to adopt a balanced approach and ensure that students and teachers have at least two weeks of break during the June holidays.

The number of students involved varies according to the needs of schools varying between 5% to 20% of the student population. The holidays allowed teachers to provide small group remediation to students who needed them as well as to address learning gaps

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identified during the mid-year examinations. Schools, however, do grant requests for students to be excused from such holiday lessons.

MOE will continue to remind schools and junior colleges to remain judicious in their planning of lessons during the school holidays and be mindful of the students' and teachers' need for a restful break during the school holidays.

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