Update on Junior Sports Academy Programme

Dr Benedict Tan asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the outcomes and learnings of the Junior Sports Academy programme to date; (b) what is the basis for selecting the sports included in the programme; (c) whether the Ministry intends to extend the programme to all schools and students in the future; (d) what is the popularity or take-up rate of the programme to date; and (e) what is needed from other stakeholders to enable the Ministry to extend the programme's outreach, effectiveness and success.

The Junior Sports Academies (JSAs) for primary school students were set up in 2008 to systematically identify and nurture young sporting talents in our schools. To date, more than 2,200 students have participated in the JSAs.

The JSAs have provided opportunities for students to train and learn with peers of similar sporting ability and to help each other improve their game. Beyond the deepening of sports skills and knowledge, students have also made new friends passionate in sports from other schools. The programme enables students to practise values, such as discipline, teamwork and responsibility, which can be transferred to other learning contexts.

The revised JSA programme will provide deeper and broader sports development opportunities for budding sporting talents across all primary schools. In particular, this programme caters to students with high natural ability in the physical domain, but who may not have prior access to sport-specific training.

The revised JSA has been developed based on our research of studies and best practices around the world. It takes a long-term and holistic view to athlete development. To enable students to explore, discover and develop their areas of sports interests and strengths, the revised JSA programme comprises two main components – Sports Modules and Sports Education Modules. Students will choose and participate in a total of four sports over two years. They will also attend workshops that focus on various aspects of athlete development, such as mental skills and fitness conditioning, to prepare them for future sporting development.

For a start, around 400 Primary 4 students will be selected from across all primary schools to join the programme.

Twelve4 sports will be offered in 2015. At steady state, students will have the option to choose sports modules from 28 sports in the National School Games for secondary schools. This is to provide developmental pathways for students to continue their sports

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development at the secondary school level.

MOE will conduct workshops for parents and coaches to understand how they can complement this programme. With the support of parents, coaches and the respective National Sports Associations, graduands of the programme will be equipped with a strong foundation as they continue to pursue sports beyond primary school.