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THE use of English became prevalent in the 1970s and schools gradually leaned towards using English as their main language of instruction.
Under the circumstances, it became a matter of utmost importance to preserve Chinese culture and tradition in schools. The Ministry of Education (MOE) therefore set up nine SAP (Special Assistance Plan) schools in 1979. Their purpose from the beginning was to preserve the tradition and spirit of Chinese schools. We cannot revive the old Chinese schools and there is no need to do so.
Bilingual education will remain the cornerstone of Singapore's education system. The policy not only fits our needs, but also gives Singapore a big edge in global markets. It is what makes us valuable to both China and the West.
The future of Chinese education here lies in letting our schools flourish, each in a way that fulfils its potential. The majority of our Chinese students can fully develop their Chinese-language ability through flexible courses; others can strengthen their foundation by learning the rudiments of the language. Able and interested students can take advanced courses - such as Higher Chinese, bicultural programmes or language electives. SAP schools play a special role in the education of such students.
For almost 30 years now, they have achieved results in developing Chinese teaching here and passing on Chinese culture and tradition. Though many of their students switch to using English at home - and the majority study English as a first language - they are proud of their culture and are capable of attaining a high standard of Chinese.
SAP schools, though, must not rest on their laurels. With English as their first language, they must go all out to groom bilingual and bicultural students whose Chinese-language ability and knowledge of Chinese culture are at a high level. With their deep understanding of Chinese culture, these students will be confident in communicating with China. We must not let SAP schools lose their uniqueness or simply become schools that take in good students.
To fully develop their potential, they must continue to innovate. We may not need a major revamp, but SAP schools should conduct appropriate experiments in their curriculum as well as immersion programmes. I am happy to announce that SAP schools will adopt a series of measures to make the experience of learning the Chinese language, culture and tradition more enriching.
Innovations in the curriculum
THE Chinese Language Curriculum and Pedagogy Review Committee proposed in 2004 to let SAP primary school students have more opportunities to come into contact with Chinese. MOE will therefore support using Mandarin to teach non-examinable subjects in some SAP primary schools. These subjects include Art, Music, Physical Education and Social Studies.
For example, Nanyang Primary will start teaching Art, Music and Social Studies in Mandarin this year; Nan Hua Primary will integrate its Primary 1 and 2 Chinese, Social Studies and Civics and Moral Education; Ai Tong will integrate Chinese, Art and Music from 2009; while Pei Chun Public will integrate its Primary 1 and 2 Chinese and Social Studies.
We have always encouraged secondary schools to offer innovative subjects. The same goes for SAP schools. Chung Cheng High (Main) and CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' will be the first to offer in 2010 a new O-level subject - Media Studies, to be taught in Chinese.
Course content will include the history of various Chinese-language media. In addition, students will learn to think critically about media functions and the media's impact on society.
Other than the standard subjects, some SAP schools are also offering Chinese electives. Chung Cheng High (Main), for instance, offers Chinese Internet Broadcasting and Chinese Film Making. Other SAP schools plan to offer Translation, Chinese Drama and Introduction to Contemporary China, among other subjects, so students can come into contact with different aspects of Chinese language and culture. An example is Hong Wen's Chinese Cultural Arts Programme, which is a hit.
SAP schools will also provide students with more immersion opportunities in China. Students will be allowed to stay in major Chinese cities for up to six months.
Starting from September last year, about 75 Hwa Chong Institution students have studied in Hwa Chong's Beijing satellite campus. Students from other SAP schools will also get an opportunity to study in this campus this year. Nanyang Primary, Nanyang Girls' High, Nan Hua Primary and Nan Hua Secondary will also try out Local Immersion Programmes lasting between two and four weeks.
SAP schools will also enhance their moral education programme. This programme will be tried at eight primary schools and seven secondary schools next year before being extended to other SAP schools.
SAP schools must continue to give students opportunities to know and live in harmony with the other races. They should develop programmes for students to interact and make friends with people of other races. They can team up with non-SAP schools to organise extra-curricular and community service activities.
The principal is the key to building up the spirit of SAP schools. MOE will ensure SAP schools are led by appropriate principals. MOE will also help SAP schools recruit teachers who can teach non-examinable subjects in Chinese. We will conduct more in-depth development and foreign immersion programmes for Chinese-language teachers.
The SAP school scheme will enter its 30th year next year. I firmly believe SAP schools will continue to stand tall in our education system, grooming new generations of talent for our country.
This is an edited excerpt of Minister of State for Education Gan Kim Yong's speech at Chung Cheng High's Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 11.
TRANSLATED BY HO CHEENG CHEENG
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