MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Our education policy will be directed towards establishing a flexible education system which will bring out the best in every child and develop in each pupil sound moral values and a strong foundation in the basic skills necessary to earn a living in Singapore's modern economy.

The key factor which will determine the success of our educational programmes is the quality of our principals and teachers. The Institute of Education had in 1984 started a new course, leading to a Diploma in Educational Administration, to provide training for those with the potential to become principals and vice-principals. The Ministry will help teachers to raise their professional standards through in-service training and scholarship programmes. The Ministry will also recruit more teachers into the Education Service. In particular, more qualified teachers of English Language will be recruited locally and overseas.

A full cycle in our streaming system was reached when the first groups of pupils streamed to the slower courses sat for their PSLE, PSPE (Primary School Proficiency Examination for those in the monolingual course) and GCE 'N' level examination in 1984. Our five years' experience with streaming showed that the weaker pupils, especially those who otherwise would have dropped out, benefited from streaming. In 1978, the year before streaming was introduced, 20% of the Primary 1 cohort dropped out of primary school without getting any educational qualification. In 1984, the number who dropped out was reduced by half to 10%. Similarly, in 1978, 20% of a cohort dropped out of secondary school before sitting for the 'O' level examination. After the introduction of streaming, the number who dropped out with no secondary school qualification was reduced fourfold to 5%. Streaming will continue to be based on the performance of pupils but the streaming procedures will be further improved to allow greater flexibility. The Ministry will also introduce better teaching methods and teaching materials. This should improve the performance of pupils in all streams.

The Ministry will strive to improve the proficiency of English among pupils at all levels. This task is especially important because English will be the principal language of instruction for all pupils from 1987. Many of our pupils come from homes where English is not used. Special programmes, such as listening comprehension, a special reading programme and a supplementary phonics package are being introduced at the primary levels to improve the learning of English.

In 1970, less than a fifth of our young people were bilingual. Today, the majority of our young people are bilingual. As Singapore develops, it is important for us to preserve our cultural heritage and retain proficiency in our mother tongues. Therefore, our bilingual policy will remain an essential feature of our education system.

In the important area of moral education, all primary schools have implemented either the "Good Citizen" programme or the "Being and Becoming" programme. Religious Knowledge subjects are taught in upper secondary levels; A lower secondary "Being and Becoming" programme has been introduced in most schools and will be implemented in all secondary schools. Extra-curricular activities can reinforce the teaching of moral education. The Ministry will continue to encourage secondary school pupils to join uniformed organizations.

Improving pupils' health and physical fitness will be a major concern of the Ministry. The College of Physical Education, set up in 1984, will provide properly trained teachers to teach physical education in schools and organize extra-curricular activities in sports. Other extra-curricular activities (like drama and dance) will nurture aesthetic appreciation in our children and help them develop a wide range of interests.

To meet the new needs of the economy, Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic will introduce new subjects such as industrial automation, computer-aided design and manufacturing and industrial robotics. The Vocational and Industrial Training Board (VITB) will incorporate computer-based and high-technology skills into existing courses as well as improve opportunities for trainees and workers to progress from one skill level to the next. Both Polytechnics and the Vocational and Industrial Training Board will increase the opportunities of continuing education and training for our workers. Studies show that we will need to train more technicians to meet the needs of employers. The Ministry will look into how the Polytechnics and the VITB can be further expanded to meet this need.

The quality of education and research at the National University of Singapore will be raised. Efforts will be focused on high-technology, including computer and software development, molecular biology and biotechnology. The University will be considering the introduction of 3-year Honours courses in the Arts & Social Sciences and Science Faculties.

The Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) will produce its first batch of graduates comprising 570 engineers in April 1985. This output of practice-oriented engineers will suit the requirements of our industries in their effort to take off to a new level. NTI will continue to monitor the needs of the industries, thereby fulfilling its role as the industry's university. The new NTI complex will be completed by 1986.

DR TONY TAN KENG YAM Minister for Education