With the end of a two-year price freeze on a list of government-approved books, parents of primary and secondary school students have had to pay up to 7% more for popular textbooks this year.
The price of popular textbooks in Singapore has risen by 7% in 2023.
According to the Straits Times, between the years 2022 and 2023. Prices for books such as math textbooks, social studies textbooks, and so on, increased by approximately 4.8%.
In response to these queries, the Ministry of Education (MOE) stated that roughly 20% of the 1,000 primary and secondary school-level textbooks increased 7% higher. For a textbook, the price increases range from 5 to 65 cents.
“In response to the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 situation, textbook publishers have absorbed textbook costs over the last two years,” the ministry stated.
According to the MOE, schools have the flexibility to use books that are not on the approved textbook list, based on their assessment of the textbook’s suitability for their students’ learning needs.
In these cases, schools must ensure that textbooks are aligned with syllabus aims and learning outcomes, as well as that they are affordable and value for money.
Literature books are among those not on the MOE-approved list, and some have seen significant price increases.
For example, a copy of Boom, a play by Jean Tay that is used in some secondary schools, increased in price from $14.90 to $18.10 on one school’s reading list, a 21% increase.
Parents stated that they are feeling the pinch
According to some parents the price hike has affected them. Its very pricey and its hard to sustain their children’s needs.
Ministry of Education (MOE) Financial Assistance
Primary and secondary school students on the MOE financial assistance scheme (FAS) will receive free textbooks and uniforms. Full subsidies for school and standard miscellaneous fees, as well as transportation and meal subsidies to help with their expenses, according to the ministry.
Pre-university students on the MOE FAS will receive a $1,200 annual bursary to help with textbook costs beginning January 1, 2023.
Those who do not qualify for the MOE FAS but require financial assistance may apply for school-based FAS and/or assistance. And bursaries from other schemes administered by their schools, grassroots organisations, or social service agencies, according to the ministry.
4 tips that parents could do to save up money:
Rent Textbooks
You can rent your textbooks. Textbooks in this category, like those bought used, will have previous owners. The difference here is that the book must be returned to the retailer where it was purchased after one school term.
As a result, renting textbooks is one of the most affordable and widely used options.
However, keep in mind that any used textbook will not provide you with access to online course materials. which may be required for some business and language courses. Unfortunately, in this case, a new textbook is required.
E-textbooks
Consider purchasing an e-textbook if you need to purchase a new textbook for online course materials. These digital books, which are less expensive than new print copies, provide access to the course materials. E-textbooks are available from retailers such as Amazon and VitalSource.
Despite the rise in popular textbook prices, there are less expensive options. Don’t be put off by the high prices of new textbooks; there are many ways to get around this high cost.
E-textbooks links:
Primary school english textbook
Social studies textbook
Math textbook
Chinese textbook
Buy Used
Purchasing used popular textbooks is likely the most convenient option for many people. This can be done through online retailers such as Amazon or even your university bookstore.
Purchasing a used textbook means that the book is still yours, but it is significantly less expensive due to its condition.
“Used” does not have to mean “half-ripped apart with a broken spine,” as most used textbooks have the wear of highlighter marks and previous students’ notes.
Selling Your Books Back
If all else fails and you need to buy a book, you can always sell it. Many schools have a buyback program through the bookstore.
Furthermore, there are many student groups at the school where people who need to take classes you may have already taken will be looking for textbooks.
There are also online retailers, such as Amazon, who will buy back textbooks at a slightly reduced price.
Hopefully, textbooks will one day become a free resource for all, but in the meantime, there are numerous alternatives to reduce your expenses.
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