PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (Reduction in class size)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Chiam See Tong -

Mr Chiam See Tong: To ask the Minister for Education what progress has been made in reducing the number of students in primary and secondary school classes.

Mr Speaker: Mr Chiam.

Dr S. Vasoo (Bo Wen): Question 4, Sir.

Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra): Mr Chiam is not here, Sir. Question 4.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Backbenchers for coming out so promptly to raise the Question on behalf of the Member for the Opposition.

Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister. The reduction of class size in primary and secondary schools is a gradual process. It is dependent on two major factors - teachers and school buildings.

Class size can be reduced only when there is a corresponding increase in the number of teachers. Efforts have been and are being made to attract more people to join the teaching profession. These efforts are currently being stepped up.

Smaller class size means more classrooms and school buildings. With secondary schools going single session, the demand for more school buildings will become even greater. It takes time to build schools.

The reduction of class size is a desirable objective which is being pursued in our quest for excellence in education. However, it cannot be brought about overnight.