Expansion of programmes in Singapore primary schools go on to help and support students due to the end of COVID-19 restraints.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Singapore Primary Schools Say Yes to the Expansion of Programmes To Support Students
- The Positive Feedback of Expansion of Programmes
- Existing School Expansion Programmes
Singapore Primary Schools Say Yes to the Expansion of Programmes To Support Students
In Singapore, schools are proposing more expansion of programmes to better support children before and after classes. Schools start with mass dance sessions before assembly and end with after-school programmes where students learn new skills and games.
Many schools in the country have already started to implement this. It all started following the end of COVID-19 restrictions on group size, which began on the 26th of April 2022. Additionally, it enables schools to run programmes that involve large groups across cohorts.
Students in Chongzheng Primary in Tampines gather once a week for a 15-minute session with their year heads. According to principal James Lim, this kind of programme helps the school create a sense of community and camaraderie.
The said optional program runs 15 minutes earlier than the usual assembly time, 7:30 in the morning. It runs from 7:15 AM on Mondays for lower primary, Wednesdays for middle primary, and Fridays for upper primary.
Furthermore, the programme is an expansion of one of the schools that ran last year. In this matter, teachers would check in on their classes over Zoom. It happened when schools were forced to do home-based learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Right after the home-based school set up, Year Head Connect emerged. The physical lessons returned, and the school expanded their short check-ins to this programme.
The Positive Feedback of Expansion of Programmes
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According to The Straits Times, they were able to visit the school. They said that nearly all of the 390 primary 3 and 4 students were present for the programme.
Schools receive positive feedback from the parents and, most significantly, from the students. They are grateful that they have the opportunity to get along with their schoolmates.
The 10-year-old primary 4 students, Stuti Menon, said: “It is very nice to see everyone. We get the chance to talk to those in different classes.”
As the school keeps receiving good responses from parents and students, they now consider doubling the sessions. They plan to apply this plan for the next semester.
Schools’ Right to Implement Programmes
According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), schools have the autonomy to implement such programmes or activities.
However, it is also essential for schools to consider various factors. It includes the start and the end time of the programme as well as the educational objectives.
Aside from that, it is also essential to consider the students’ learning and development skills. They must determine programmes or activities that would best suit and benefit their students.
“Our schools may offer a diverse range of before-school programmes or activities to support and engage pupils who arrive in school early,” they said. “There are also various after-school programmes to enrich pupils’ learning experience.”
Existing School Expansion Programmes
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At present, many schools in Singapore have already succeeded in conducting expansion programs weekly. Here are a few of the activities that children do during the assembly programme.
A 10-Year Old Girl Says No to Pollution at a Morning Assembly
Saravana Prakash Saivarsha, a 10-year-old girl, studying at Farrer Park Primary, says no to pollution during a morning assembly programme.
She was saddened by the rubbish she had seen in Singapore’s waters. At a morning assembly, she decided to tell all her schoolmates about the dangers of pollution.
A Hop, Skip and a Jump Jam to Start Friday Morning
Every Friday, pupils at Bedok Green Primary gather from 7:15 in the morning to hop, skip and jump. The good thing about this is that teachers and even the principal also join in.
They allow children to lead the rest of the school from the stage in a dance-style activity. This is one school activity that gets the whole school moving.
Friday Afternoon Programme Helps Students Find Their Feet
Every Friday afternoon at Chua Chu Kang Primary, children enjoy their after-school programme. Kids were given a chance to explore their new school and find new friends.
One Primary 4 student from the school said,
“I really like [the programme], and I have learnt many new things about good habits and friendship here.”
Teachers Go Above and Beyond For Regular After-School Programmes
Kranji Primary teachers strive to arrange regular after-school programmes. They eventually saw the positive impact of this method on their students who needed more help coming out of their shells.
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