SINGLE SESSION SCHOOLS (Progress of implementation)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made so far in the implementation of single session schools for secondary education.

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in January 1986 a pilot project was initiated in 20 schools to study in detail how the Single Session System could benefit the pupils and the operational difficulties that might be encountered. The results of the pilot project were reported in the Schools Council Meeting on 10 January this year. It is clear that the single session system will result in major benefits for schools, such as more time and opportunity for remedial work, ECA and other things. The Ministry has therefore decided to implement the single session in all schools beginning with the secondary schools. The implementation of the single session system will be done in phases.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Does the Minister of State not think that it is more important to have small classes first rather than to have single session schools with big classes? What is the position?

Dr Tay Eng Soon: Mr Speaker, Sir, a number of things were raised in discussions with principals and parents at the recent forums conducted by the Minister for Education. I think the Member for Potong Pasir should wait until the Minister has the opportunity to tell the House the response of the Ministry to the various points, including class sizes.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, I think this question of smaller classes in our schools today is a genuine pressing problem. I am not bringing up this question just for the sake of bringing it up. It is a pressing problem and I brought this matter up more than once in this House. But nothing concrete has been done. Perhaps the Minister could give some kind of a commitment, whether or not some concret steps have been taken to reduce the number of pupils, say, to 30 for a start.

Dr Tay Eng Soon: I suggest that he wait until Thursday or Friday when the Minister for Education will make his statement on these matters.