Debated in Parliament on 4 Jan 2021.
Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are existing programmes by the Ministry for schools to inculcate responsible consumption values amongst students; and (b) whether the Ministry has any framework to measure the learning outcomes of responsible consumption.
Responsible consumption is a key aspect of environmental education in schools. Students learn how their actions and habits, such as the consumption of resources, can impact the environment. This is done through both the curriculum and co-curriculum across the different levels.
At the primary level, students learn about Singapore's natural environment and the importance of conserving natural resources in Science and Social Studies. They go on to learn about global warming, deforestation and sustainable resource management in Science and Geography at the secondary level. Sustainable consumption of food, goods and services is given greater emphasis in the revised Upper Secondary Nutrition and Food Science and Lower Secondary Food and Consumer Education syllabuses. Through Economics, Geography and Science subjects at the pre-university level, students deepen their understanding of the impact of climate change and the depletion of resources on countries' growth, as well as trade-offs countries make to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Students also discuss sustainability issues in General Paper lessons.
Our students are provided opportunities to apply what they have learnt through daily routines in school, and participation in Values-in-Action and co-curricular activities, such as Green or Environmental Clubs which promote reducing food waste, recycling and upcycling.
Many schools adopt the Singapore Green Awards (SGA) framework developed by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) to audit their efforts in promoting responsible consumption. In 2019, SEC awarded SGA to more than 200 MOE schools, recognising their contribution towards environmental protection.
PAPERCUTS