Effectiveness of Six-year Integrated Programme in Schools

Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Minister for Education if he can provide an update on the Integrated Programme (IP) since its implementation in 2004 and whether the programme has achieved its original objective and desired outcomes.

Mdm Speaker, the Ministry of Education (MOE) started the Integrated Programme (IP) in 2004 as an alternative model of delivering a six-year Secondary and Junior College (JC) education.

The IP injects diversity into our education system so that we can better develop students according to their aptitude and interest. The IP caters to

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students who are academically-strong and can benefit from spending the time freed up from having to prepare for the "O" Level examinations to pursue broader learning experiences.

While the IP is beneficial for some students, the "O" Level track continues to provide an effective pathway for a large majority of our students. It helps them build a strong academic foundation for post-secondary education through a more structured programme.

The IP is offered in 18 schools, of which eight are dual-track schools that offer both the IP and "O" Level tracks. Dual track schools provide an environment where students from both tracks interact and learn from each other.

The first few batches of IP graduates have performed well. Feedback from IP students further indicates that they have enjoyed and benefited from the learning opportunities and have been engaged in various community projects. These are in line with the objectives and desired outcomes of the IP.

We will continue to monitor and review the IP to ensure that it serves the needs of our students.

Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for the answer. I would like to ask two supplementary questions. First, how do the schools monitor the progress and suitability of existing students who are in the Integrated Programme? Secondly, how many students in an average cohort end up retaining for additional years, or even drop out of the programme totally?

The goal of our schools, essentially, is to help every student succeed. Indeed, the schools monitor the progress of students very closely. The vast majority of the students have no difficulty in the programme. For a small number which may have some difficulty, the schools will provide additional support to help them go through that initial period of difficulty. Those who are found not suitable for the programme – because this is educationally not appropriate for them – will be counselled and the schools will discuss the matter with their parents so that the students may pursue a more appropriate track. Bear in mind that the IP track is just one of the many tracks that the Ministry offers.

Dr Lam asked how many students did not complete the programme. Based on 2008 Secondary IP cohort, around 6% leave the IP prior to graduation for

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various reasons, including transferring to the "O" Level track, pursuing post-Secondary education via other pathways, or continuing their education abroad.