EXPELLED STUDENTS (Special scheme to rehabilitate)

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Education (a) how many students were expelled from schools for each of the years from 1991 to 1993 and, for the same period how many of them were admitted to other schools; and (b) whether he will consider a special scheme to rehabilitate the expelled students.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of students expelled from schools in the last three years and the number of these students admitted to other schools after expulsion are as follows:

1991 - 15 expelled and three admitted.

1992 - 16 expelled and three admitted.

1993 - nine expelled and none admitted.

Our schools are doing their utmost to ensure that almost all pupils will complete at least 10 years of general education. Recalcitrant pupils are given many opportunities to realise the error of their ways through counselling and disciplinary measures. Expulsion is a course of action taken only as a last resort in the case of pupils who have resisted all attempts made by the school to correct their behaviour. Among these are pupils who have run foul of the law and are therefore more appropriately dealt with by due process of the law. Others are asked to leave school for repeated serious offences such as persistent defiance and disregard for school rules, gangsterism, bullying and other extreme disorderly conduct. Principals must have the authority ultimately to expel such recalcitrant pupils to maintain discipline and good order and for the safety and welfare of other pupils in the schools.

There are existing schemes to rehabilitate pupils who have broken the laws of society or who need close supervision for other reasons. My Ministry will cooperate with but not duplicate such schemes. Various homes set up by the Ministry of Community Development and other organisations provide care for youths who need supervision. Youths on probation and the inmates of these homes who are of school-going age can continue to attend school and are closely monitored by probation officers, the school and the home. Our schools will continue to work with the parties involved and make every effort to rehabilitate recalcitrant youths. Ultimately, however, these youths must have a desire to learn and benefit from the educational opportunities offered to them. Those who do not would be better off seeking gainful employment outside the education system.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: Sir, is the Minister aware that some students are being expelled for not doing well in school and not for disciplinary reasons? If he is, does he condone expulsion on those grounds?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Sir, I am not aware of any such case. If the Member is aware, she should bring it to my attention.