MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE (English as instruction medium in non-English schools in 1971)

Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Education, as it is his Ministry's policy to implement the use of English as the medium of instruction in mathematics and science in 1971, (a) whether teachers who are undergoing the Special English Course for Mathematics and Science Teachers of Non-English Schools will be in a position to teach those subjects in English; and (b) what measures will be taken to improve the situation if those teachers are found to be incapable of using English as the medium of instruction.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Lee Chiaw Meng) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been announced recently that, with effect from January next year, Mathematics and Science may be taught in the first or second language at the discretion of principals in primary schools.

Sir, I am afraid the question is not quite relevant now. However, where schools other than English schools decide to use English as the medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science, special in-service courses would ensure that they would have teachers proficient enough to teach the subjects in English.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Government's policy on bilingualism as a means for social integration in our multi-racial society. The promotion of this policy will be carried out in other ways.