SINGLE SESSION SECONDARY SCHOOLS (Adjustment to reporting time)

Mr Gerard Ee asked the Minister for Education whether any secondary school has adjusted the daily reporting time with the introduction of single session so that students do not have to wake up so early to get to school on time.

The Minister for Education (RAdm Teo Chee Hean): Mr Speaker, Sir, no secondary school has done so.

Mr Gerard Ee: Sir, I would like to ask the Minister that since secondary schools have gone into single sessions, do we not want to encourage schools to start later so that their children will not tire themselves out by having to wake up so early to catch the school bus?

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, principals are free to decide what time they wish to start school in the best interest of their students.

Mr Gerard Ee: Sir, generally, the feedback from principals is that school bus operators have to operate within certain hours. Without the Ministry coming out with a suggested later starting hour, most schools will be reluctant to make the change.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Sir, most secondary school students find their own transport to go to school and they do not usually take school bus. Principals are free to decide for themselves what time they wish to start school.