Courses

"The material is ready and caters to all levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Through these courses, we hope to groom not just drivers, but also mechanics and other technical roles in karting," said Teo, who was the secretary of the now-defunct Karting Club Singapore.

If there are any obstacles in go-karting being included as a CCA in schools, it is the cost factor.

According to Teo, each lesson will last about one-and-a-half hours. This includes theory and track time.

Classes will be held in groups of not more than 12 and will cost between $100 and $150 an hour.

"Karting is an expensive sport and not everyone can afford it. So to make it a CCA in schools will not be easy," said De Shuen, who represents his school in basketball.

His father, Andy Tan, is all for the idea of introducing go-karting as a CCA in schools.

"Karting can help to develop correct driving habits from young. It is also a sport which instils discipline in our children,"

said the 52-year-old owner of a car workshop.

"I will definitely allow my son to take up karting as a CCA if it is offered in his school. Like all the other CCAs, I believe there will be a structured curriculum and he will be under proper supervision and guidance."

When contacted, the MOE confirmed that karting is not offered as a CCA in schools but added that schools have the autonomy to design and plan their own CCA programmes.

"Schools can seek MOE's endorsement to introduce an activity as a CCA if it is organised and has a sustained 30-week programme that provides students with an all-year involvement," said a spokesman from the MOE.

"Alternatively, it can also be carried out as a student-initiated activity."

This article was first published in The New Paper.

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