EDUCATION SYSTEM

IN SINGAPORE
 The primary 4 and secondary 2 students in Singapore have consistently
outperformed students from other countries in mathematics and science
in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
 Singapore also emerged among the top performing economies in the
2009 and 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment
(PISA) for reading, mathematics and science.
 The latest achievement was its number one position in the global school
ranking organized by Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) among 76 countries based on test scores in
mathematics and science
 Singapore’s education system has been acknowledged as a “sustained
improver” and described as “Great” in the McKinsey report
 Educational Developments in Singapore

Survival- Efficiency- Ability-based,

Driven Driven Aspiration-driven
• Develop creative and
• First years after • Developing the critical thinking skills to
independence required skills for students as well as the
• To meet the needs capital and skill- passion for lifelong learning
of the shift in its intensive economy • The development of a
economy • Producing graduates culture of an open and
• To produce trained with industry-relevant collaborative school
skills environment
workers
STUDENT-CENTRIC, VALUES-DRIVEN
PHASE
 All children start primary school education at
age 7.
 This is a compulsory six-year course designed to
give them a strong educational foundation. It aims to
develop language and numeracy skills, build
character and nurture sound values and good
habits.

At the end of Primary 6, students take the Primary

School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
This assesses their suitability for secondary education and
places them in a secondary school course that matches
their learning pace, ability and inclinations.

Students can also seek admission to a secondary

school based on their diverse strengths and interests
in areas such as art and sports through the Direct
School Admission exercise.
 At the lower secondary levels (grades 7 and 8), students experience a broad-
based education in the languages, the humanities and the arts, mathematics and
sciences, design and technology, physical education as well as character and
citizenship education.
 At grades 9 and 10, all students learn two 4 © OECD 2016 languages, social
studies and mathematics, and select from a wide range of elective subjects and
programmes .
Special Needs Schools
 The education system in Singapore has a very high quality, but may leave
some children who have special needs in the dust. This is why some schools
put a special focus on children who feel out of place at a regular primary
school.
 Most schools have experienced teachers who are capable of taking care of
children with minor learning disabilities. However, there are around 20
designated schools that customize their curriculum for children who have
physical or mental disabilities. That way, kids who do not benefit from
mainstream education receive a viable alternative.
Characteristics of Education in Singapore

 Flexibility and Diversity

 A Broad-based, Holistic
Education
 Teach Less, Learn More
Ensuring that every school is a GOOD SCHOOL

 Resourcing our schools to offer

customized programmes
 Raising the professional standards of
teachers across the system
 Encouraging learning and innovation
across schools
 Promoting partnerships between
school and community.
PRODUCT OF THE
SYSTEM
21ST CENTURY
COMPETENCIES
SINGAPORE AIM TO
DEVELOP TO THEIR
STUDENTS
Student Outcome
 a confident person who has a strong sense of right and wrong, is
adaptable and resilient, knows himself, is discerning in judgment, thinks
independently and critically, and communicates effectively.
 a self-directed learner who questions, reflects, perseveres and takes
responsibility for his own learning.
 an active contributor who is able to work effectively in teams, is
innovative, exercises initiative, takes calculated risks and strives for
excellence.
 a concerned citizen who is rooted to Singapore, has a strong sense of
civic responsibility, is informed about Singapore and the world, and
takes an active part in bettering the lives of others around him.
References

 https://www.oecd.org/pisa/PISA-2015-singapore.pdf
 https://www.moe.gov.sg/home
 https://www.internations.org/singapore-expats/guide/29461-family-children-
education/the-education-system-in-singapore-16071