Opportunities for Students to Participate in Various Sports in School

Dr Benedict Tan asked the Minister for Education what measures are in place to ensure that students who wish to participate in various school sports but who are unable to make the cut for the school team are given an opportunity to do so.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) promotes sports as it is an important platform for the holistic development of students.

All students participate in sports through their Physical Education (PE) lessons. In addition, one-third of them participate in sports Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) where they

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play sports recreationally or compete in inter-school competitions.

Because of its importance, sports have been made available to every student through PE lessons. The 2014 PE Syllabus develops the fundamental movements and strength of primary school students, which allow them to participate in modified games. At the secondary level, they learn at least six physical activities and take part in at least three intra-school sports competitions, following the training received during PE lessons.

Beyond the PE curriculum, students have opportunities to participate in school inter-class games, sports day and other mass participation sports events. Besides these, schools have also organised a variety of sports activities by tapping on the funding from the Sports Education Programme, introduced by MOE and Sport Singapore since 2007.

While schools strive to meet the diverse needs of their students, it is not possible to cater to every demand, given the constraints on the ground. In determining the enrolment for each CCA, schools will need to consider, amongst other factors, the availability of space, quality coaching and overall support for the student athletes. Besides the range of offerings provided in schools, parents and students may consider the variety of sporting activities offered in the community, particularly those under Sport Singapore's ActiveSG programme, where Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may register for membership and receive credits for entry to sports facilities and access to learn-to-play programmes.

MOE will continue to support schools in providing sporting opportunities for students and, in the process, help imbue in them the value of active and healthy living.