Debated in Parliament on 11 Jul 2016.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many schools conduct examinations or tests immediately or within two weeks after the school holidays; and (b) what is the rationale for having school holidays if students are expected to study for the tests/examinations during the school holidays.
Examinations are useful for students to gauge their learning and for teachers to check on the effectiveness of their teaching. Schools adopt a student-centric approach, taking into consideration the profile and needs of the students and the schools’ contexts when scheduling the examinations. The practice of having examinations after the June holidays is more prevalent among the Junior Colleges (JCs) in view of the school year for JC1 students starting in end January or early February. There would be limited time for students to consolidate their learning before the examinations if examinations are held in May. Many of the JC students are also participating in the Singapore Youth Festival for performing arts and National School Games in April and May. The decision to schedule the mid-year examinations for JC students in Term 3 after the June vacation will allow the students to better manage their revision and to ensure they would still have some time during the June vacation to have a break and pursue other recreational and social activities.
Similarly, a small proportion of schools at other levels may also conduct some form of testing after the June holidays for their students in graduating levels, to help them consolidate their learning in June and pace their revision leading up to national examinations.
Our schools are mindful of the need to strike a balance between catering to students' academic and CCA needs, as well as their socio-emotional well-being. The decision to have examinations after the vacation is made after considering the different options available to address their students' overall needs and also to minimise stress.
PAPERCUTS