Globalisation, changing demographics and technological advancements are

challenges our youth will face

o

Our students will have to be prepared to face these challenges and seize
the opportunities brought about by these forces.

Values define a persons character. They shape the beliefs, attitudes and actions of
a person, and therefore form the core of the framework of 21st Century

Competencies

Supporting Singaporeans through continuous learning is our way of helping

Singaporeans stay employable with the new knowledge and skills sets required to
remain relevant in the job market. This is why, apart from Pre-Employment Training,

the Government has also invested heavily in our Continuing Education & Training
(CET) framework.

We have also provided more resources to N(T) students. In calculating teacher

quota, we give consideration to schools with more Normal course students, by
providing additional manpower grants, and an additional Head of Department for
N(T) for schools with larger Normal (Technical) enrolment. In tandem with
curriculum demands, we have provided more teachers too. Dr Itan would be
pleased to know for example, subjects such as Computer Applications, Design &
Technology, which require closer supervision, are taught in groups of 20. Many
schools also deploy their Allied Educators to support N(T) students.

We have been extremely encouraged by our existing Specialised Schools

Northlight School and Assumption Pathway Schoolcatering to students with
different learning styles. Given the positive experiences from students in these
schools, we see value in using a whole school approach to nurture the whole child,
hence our motivation to embark on the two new Specialised Schools. This approach
will enable us to deliver some of the support Dr Intan has called for N(T) students:
create a customized curriculum, execute appropriate teaching pedagogies, and
recruit committed teachers with the right skills and attitudes. 20Dr Intan has
expressed concern that the new Specialised Schools may lead to more segregation.
This is a valid concern. We believe that by meeting the learning needs of N(T)
students more effectively, we will be able to help them pick up the skills,
competencies and values to lead a productive and fulfilling life. In the long run, this
will help ensure these students succeed in life and promote a more inclusive
society.

no way to segregate N(T) studentsbut to offer them with another option in the
education landscapeto better support and meet their learning needs. The bulk of
our N(T) students will still be in our mainstream schools, together with Express and
Academic students For these students, we will continue to study how we can
improve their learning experience, including scaling up learning points from our
Specialised Schools and N(T) Mark II schools.