New PE syllabus to get students moving

SINGAPORE - In a move to get students to be more active, a new physical education (PE) syllabus will be rolled out in stages from next year for the primary to pre-university levels by the Ministry of Education.

Primary 1 and 2 pupils, as well as Secondary 1 and 2 students, will come under the new syllabus first next year, the ministry said yesterday.

At the primary-school level, fundamental movement skills will be more greatly emphasised.

These include concepts of body and space awareness taught through activities such as athletics, dance, sports, gymnastics and swimming.

For secondary schools, there will be a focus on developing students' skills in at least six physical activities and sports for active participation beyond school.

There will also be a new outdoor education aspect to PE, with 10 per cent of the curriculum time for primary schools and 20 per cent for secondary schools.

This will engage students' spirit of adventure through exploring natural and urban environments.

Health education and elements of sports sciences will also be taught at all levels. Students will be able to plan a fitness programme to match the type of fitness needed for a specific sport.

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