Singapores Education System By Dewayne Wammack Arkansas State
University Spring 2010
Slide 2
Flag and Location CIA The World Fact book Singapore. n.d.
Retrieved March 26, 2010, from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Slide 3
Facts Island between Malaysia and Indonesia Population
4,657,542 (July 2009 est.) Area of Island is 697 Kilometers
Slightly 3.5 times larger than Washington D. C. Climate Tropical
Two Distinct Monsoon Seasons Northeastern Monsoon (December to
March) Southwestern Monsoon (June to September) Natural Resources
Fish Deepwater Ports CIA The World Fact book Singapore. n.d.
Retrieved March 26, 2010, from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Slide 4
Age Structure 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)
15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415) 65 years and
over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2009 est.) Median Age
total: 39 years male: 38.5 years female: 39.4 years (2009 est.)
Ethnic Groups Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4%
(2000 census) Religions Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%,
Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none
14.8% (2000 census) Languages Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay
14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%,
other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census) CIA The World
Fact book Singapore. n.d. Retrieved March 26, 2010, from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Slide 5
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write General
Literacy rates (15 years and over) (2002): 93.7% male: 96.6%
female: 88.6% (2000 census) Literacy in two or more languages: 56%
Education Expenditures 3.7% of GDP (2001) Military Service Age and
Obligation 18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service;
16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service
obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age
50 (officers) (2008) Military Expenditures 4.9% of GDP (2005 est.)
CIA The World Fact book Singapore. n.d. Retrieved March 26, 2010,
from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Slide 6
GDP $50,300 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8
Labor Force agriculture: 23.8% industry: 23.8% services: 76.2%
(2008) CIA The World Fact book Singapore. n.d. Retrieved March 26,
2010, from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Slide 7
History of Singapore Founded as a trading post in 1819 Made a
Crown colony of Britain in 1946 Attained full internal
self-government 1959. Parliamentary System 1963 joined Malaya,
Sabah (North Borneo), and Sarawak in the Federation of Malaysia. It
withdrew from the federation on Aug. 9, 1965, and a month later
proclaimed itself a republic. Malaysia released them from the
Federation. Developed into one of the cleanest, safest, and most
economically prosperous cities in Asia. Very strict civil obedience
rules (has endured strict criticism)
(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107963.html)
Slide 8
Slide 9
Education Levels in Singapore Pre-School Non- Compulsory
Kindergarten Childcare System Education: Key to Our Future
Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 10
Kindergarten 2Kindergarten 1Nursery Education: Key to Our
Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 11
Pre-School Goals To develop the young child wholly. Equip
children with communication skills and teach them how to interact
with others. Be easily accessible to parents all over Singapore.
One near every residential housing area Parents do not have to
travel far to transport child Education: Key to Our Future
Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 12
Kindergarten: (3 years of Age) Not compulsory but taken by most
Run by private organization Orientate children from home to school
Develop childrens interest in learning Develop social skills Basic
school fee Nursery Operated by private organization Foster ability
to think and learn Basic language foundation in English and Mother
Language Moral education: differentiate between right and wrong
Foster Curiosity; Hands-on learning for psychomotor Kindergarten
1Kindergarten 2 Continued with goals established in Kindergarten 1
Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010
from http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 13
Childcare System: Ages 2 to 7 Cares for children while parents
are at work Does not have to register with the Ministry of
Education as Kindergartens are required Regulated by the Ministry
of Community Development, Youth, and Sports. Must register with the
Ministry. A fee is charged to the parents. Over 600 in Singapore
Goals: Care for children Provide adequate playtime and study time
for children Allow children to adjust to demands of school life
Provide an enriching experience: expand creativity and imagination
of the child. Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved
March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 14
Ministry of Education Government Expenditure on Education (in
million SGD) 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 Recurrent4975
5215 6352 6786 7486 Primary 1071 1126 1290 1497 1561 Secondary1276
1328 1562 1781 1870 Pre-University 227 238 271 341 344 ITE 191 204
249 254 275 Polytechnics 594 623 729 817 932 NIE 73 85 100 102 113
Universities 1030 1058 1719 1491 1822 Development 1239 867 608 742
760 Government Recurrent Expenditure on Education Per Student (in
SGD) Primary 3575 3820 4243 5026 5306 Secondary 5746 5793 6246 7230
7456 Pre-University 8850 9445 10161 12386 12066 ITE 9399 9249 10209
10543 10834 Polytechnics 10695 10843 11903 12482 13260 Universities
17609 17793 18472 19011 20284 Ministry of Education Singapore.
Retrieved March 26,2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 15
National Education Taught to develop pride and nationhood in
the students Install six core values (six messages) Singapore is
our homeland; this is where we belong We must preserve racial and
religious harmony We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility
No one owes Singapore a living We must ourselves defend Singapore
We have confidence in our future Ministry of Education Singapore.
Retrieved March 26,2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 16
Non Academic Pursuits Holistic Education creating well-rounded
future Singaporeans to compete and survive in the modern world
Morally and Socially responsible All schools teach Character and
Moral education Ministry of Education Singapore. Retrieved March
26,2010 from http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 17
Primary Education Compulsory education begins in Primary. All
students required to attend six years of education. (Core 6 years
of education Ages 6 to 15) 131 Government owned and 45 Government
aided Primary schools Located near residential areas Years 1
through 4: Foundation education Communication and foundation for
mathematical calculations Years 5 and 6: Orientation Bridge gap
between foundation stage and secondary education system. All
students take Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Results of
the exam will post students to secondary schools of their choice
Primary 1 and 2 have seen a reduction in class size from 40 to 30
students. Streaming exercise All students (except gifted) take a
series of test to determine the stream they will be moved into in
secondary school. Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved
March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 18
Gifted Education Programs In Primary 3 students can take a
Screen test for Gifted Education placement. In Primary 4 students
take the selection test which is made up of an English paper, math
paper and a General abilities paper. Gifted Education Programs
serve students from Primary 4 to Secondary 4. 9 Gifted Education
Programs in Singapore. Smaller class size (25 per class) Enriched
curriculum Extra subjects beyond the regular student requirements
Social Studies: Compulsory in GEP classes. Must pass in order to
move to Secondary GEP program. Independent Study Option Compulsory
Primary 4: Undergo training in various aspects (Research skills,
Library skills, Interview and survey skills and science experiment
skills) Primary 5 and 6: Research project Education: Key to Our
Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 19
Grading scale of the PSLE Grading system 91 and aboveA*80 and
aboveDistinction 75 90A65 79Merit 60 74B50 64Pass 50 59CBelow
50Ungraded 35 49D 20 34E Below 20F Education: Key to Our Future
Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 20
Secondary: Four groups Secondary School Normal Academic Normal
Technical ExpressSpecial Four years Lead up to a
Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary O
Level Exam Four years lead up to a Singapore-Cambridge GCE - Normal
N Level exam with a possible fifth year followed by an Ordinary O
Level exam.
Slide 21
Mother language taught at a higher level in Special group
compared to express group. Normal technical group offer more
technical courses than normal academic group Students required to
take co-curricular activities CCA. Graded with other achievements.
LEAPS Leadership, enrichment, achievement, participation, sevice
Specialization begins in Secondary school. Grading system according
to Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level examination Education: Key to
Our Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 22
Special Education Can be exempt from having to attend school
under compulsory education Twenty special education programs in
Singapore. Managed by Volunteer welfare organization receiving
money from the Ministry of Education. Depending on the severity of
the condition, a student can be mainstreamed in with the regular
students. The general mission of SPED schools is to provide the
best possible education and training to children with special needs
so as to enable them to function optimally and integrate well into
society. Ministry of Education Singapore. Retrieved March 26,2010
from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 23
People First Language Labels Not to Use People First Language
================== ====================== The handicapped or
disabled People with disabilities He is autistic/he suffers from
autism He has autism She is learning disabled She has a learning
disability He is mentally retarded He has a cognitive impairment
She suffers from a birth defect She has a congenital disability
He's crippled He has a physical impairment She needs handicapped
parking She needs accessible parking She has a problem with She has
a need for They are disabled They have special needs Normal or
healthy kids Typical kids
Slide 24
Pre-Universities Prepares for further education after secondary
school Must take part in Singapore-Cambridge General Certification
of Education advanced level GCE A Level Prestigious qualification
Assists in finding suitable University of students choice. Junior
colleges and Centralized Institutes Education: Key to Our Future
Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 25
Junior Colleges 1965 created to broaden skills of those wanting
to enter 1969 first Junior college established in Singapore
Provides most direct route to University Seventeen JCs in Singapore
Two year education preparing for GCE A Level Exam as well as
entrance to University Focus both intellectual and mental
discipline which promotes independent and self-directed learners.
Receive GCE A Level certificate recognized by Universities all over
the world Students select courses to work toward specialization
Students must obtain less than 20 points in their L1R5 during GCE O
Level examinations Not easy to achieve results needed to enter JC
Students pay a subsidized fee of $6.00 per month and miscellaneous
fee between $9 and $22 per month. Independent JCs can run as high
as $300 per month Scholarships offered to offset the cost of
independent JCs Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved
March 26, 2010 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 26
Centralized Institutes Similar to Junior Colleges Allows three
years instead of two to complete. (slows down process) Only one in
Singapore Only Pre-University to offer a commerce course: two
subjects Principles of Accounting Management of Business L1R4 must
be less than 20. Easier to achieve than the score for Junior
college Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26,
2010 from http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 27
Subject Streams Science and Mathematics Arts and Humanities
Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010
from http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
Slide 28
Master Plan (Three Installments) Master Plan I 1997 2002
Enhance Linkages between the school and the world around it.
Encourage creative thinking and lifelong learning Encourage
innovative processes in education Promote administrative and
management excellence in education All students need access to
computers. Students will have hands-on computer use for 30% of the
curriculum time by 2002. Ranked second in the world behind Finland
in internet access in schools (2002) Ministry of Education
Singapore. Retrieved March 26,2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary
/http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary /
Slide 29
Master Plan II 2003 2008 Move from supporting current
curriculum to designing curriculum taking in account the new
teaching methods possible through technology. Move from
teacher-centered to pupil-centered strategy for learning Schools
will have greater autonomy and flexibility in the use of funds for
IT. Ministry of Education Singapore. Retrieved March 26,2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 30
Master Plan III 2009 2014 Strengthen integration of ICT into
curriculum pedagogy and assessment to enhance learning and develop
competencies for the 21 st century Provide differentiated
professional development that is more practice based and models how
ICT can be effectively used to help students learn. Improve sharing
of best practices and successful innovations Enhance ICT provisions
in schools to support the implementation of Master Plan III Goals
Strengthen competencies for self-directed learning Tailor learning
experiences according to the way that each student learns best
Encourage students to go deeper and advance their learning Learn
anywhere Ministry of Education Singapore. Retrieved March 26,2010
from http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
Slide 31
Issues The effect non-coed schools have on the students.
Creating schools for the elitist. (Streaming according to the test
in Primary) Do the positive results outweigh the negative
consequences of the these methods?
Slide 32
References CIA The World Fact book Singapore. n.d. Retrieved
March 26, 2010, from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html#top
Education: Key to Our Future Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010
from http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01348/academic.html Ministry of
Education Singapore. Retrieved March 26,2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/ Ministry of Education
Singapore. Retrieved March 26, 2010 from
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary/
NationMaster - Singapore Education statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 26, 2010, from http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sn-
singapore/edu-educationhttp://www.nationmaster.com/country/sn-
singapore/edu-education