SCHOOL INSPECTION (Courses by visiting inspectors from U.K.)

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Education (a) what courses had been conducted by the two visiting Inspectors of Schools from the British Ministry of Education during their visit to Singapore recently; (b) whether they had submitted a report and recommendations to him; (c) whether, as a result of the report and recommendations, a reorganisation of the Inspectorate of the Ministry is intended; and (d) what is the nature of the reorganisation intended.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the two visiting Inspectors of Schools from the United Kingdom, whose services were made available by the British Government at the request of the Singapore Government, were asked to conduct courses on school inspection and supervision of teaching for our Inspectors and T.T.C. supervisors, and courses on school administration for primary and secondary school principals. Altogether four such courses were conducted between 1st April, 1968, and 18th May, 1968. Each course comprised 20 one-hour lectures and each lecture was followed by a discussion.

The terms of reference of the two visiting inspectors did not call for a report. However, they did submit a 20-page report entitled A Report on Education in Singapore at the end of their assignment.

There is no intention of reorganising the Inspectorate as a result of this report.