PREPARATORY CLASSES IN

Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for Education how many children were unable to get into preparatory classes in the "Seed Schools" this year as compared to 1989.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr Tang Guan Seng)(for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the preparatory year programme is offered in 10 primary Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools. 2,377 pupils were admitted to this programme in 1990 as compared to 2,309 pupils in 1989. All the places were taken up by the end of Phase 2B of the registration exercise.

Mr Goh Choon Kang (Braddell Heights): Sir, is the Ministry aware that many parents were disappointed and very unhappy because their children could not get into these classes as all the places were taken up at the early stages of regis- tration? What steps is the Ministry taking or will be taking to meet the demands of parents?

Mr Tang Guan Seng: Sir, as all the places were taken up at the end of Phase 2B of the registration exercise, the schools did not register any more children for admission. However, the Ministry is aware that there is a demand for more places.

Sir, the preparatory year programme was launched in January this year and is being monitored closely by the Ministry. The progress made so far has been encouraging. The Ministry is now actively looking into the possibility of expanding it to more schools. A decision will be made by early next year after studying the experience gained by the 10 "seed" schools.

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