Interaction Opportunities of Lower Primary Students with Peers from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Education (a) what opportunities do lower primary students currently have for sustained interaction with peers from different socioeconomic backgrounds; and (b) whether Ministry will consider strengthening such opportunities, particularly for schools serving areas with limited public housing and at ages when CCAs and other cross-school activities are less available.

Most primary schools have a good mix of students, reflecting the neighbourhood around them. Through their everyday school experience, students learn, play and build friendships with classmates from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to encourage greater mixing among students from different backgrounds.

MOE takes an age-appropriate approach to students' holistic development. Lower primary students generally do not participate in CCAs and cross-school activities, as the priority is to help them make a smooth transition from pre-school to primary school, and build strong foundations for learning and social-emotional development. As they grow older, they will have more opportunities through co-curricular activities, school programmes and cross-school activities to interact with peers including those from other schools.