ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (New primary schools)

Mr Lim Boon Heng asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education (a) how many new primary schools will be completed in Ang Mo Kio New Town in time for the commencement of the new school year in January 1982; and (b) whether these new schools, together with the existing schools, will be able to provide enough places for all Primary One students living in Ang Mo Kio New Town.

Dr Tay Eng Soon (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education): Sir, eight new primary schools are being built in the Ang Mo Kio New Town area. Four of them, Ang Mo Kio North, Chong Li, Da Giao and Hong Dao, will be completed in time to take in Primary 1 pupils from January 1982. The other four, Ang Mo Kio South, Chong De, Chong Shan and Jing Shan, will be completed sometime in 1982. Although these four schools will not be ready before January 1982, pupils can register and are, in fact, being registered for these schools. They will be having their classes in the existing schools and the four new schools will be completed before 1982. As soon-as the other schools are ready in 1982, they will be transferred to their respective schools. The new schools, together with the five existing schools, will have sufficient places for all Primary 1 pupils living in the Ang Mo Kio New Town.

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: Could the Hon. Minister of State inform the House who makes the final decision in the naming of primary schools or secondary schools, and what are the general principles adopted in the naming of schools?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Sir, up to now, the final decision for naming of schools is made by the Senior Minister of State of Education. The naming of schools generally follows the names of private schools, which were in those areas that have been passed on to the Government. So the names continue because the assets of these schools will pass over to the Ministry of Education.

Another principle that is observed is that we try to make use of the name of the location, the road or street in the area concerned.