Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2025.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Education based on the findings from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2023, whether the Ministry plans to support academically weaker students for Mathematics and Science who, despite performing above international averages, may require additional assistance to reach higher proficiency levels.
Our academically weaker students had generally performed better than their international peers in both Mathematics and Science in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023. This is largely due to the provision of dedicated and customised support for these students. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to strengthen our support for students. For example, the Learning Support for Mathematics (LSM) Programme has provided targeted support since 2007 to Primary 1 and Primary 2 students who do not have the necessary numeracy foundation to access the primary Mathematics curriculum. MOE has extended the LSM to Primary 3 and 4 students progressively since 2023. We have also enhanced the resources and pedagogies used in LSM to further meet the needs of students and address their learning gaps.
At Primary 5 and Primary 6, students who need more time and a slower pace of learning in Mathematics and Science can offer these subjects at the Foundation level.
At the secondary level, with Full Subject-Based Banding, students can offer Mathematics and Science at the G1, G2 and G3 levels according to their level of readiness. In G1 Mathematics and Science, concepts and skills from primary levels are revisited and reinforced to cater to the need of students before moving on to new content.
Continuous professional development is extended to teachers to equip them in teaching students who require additional support. MOE will continue to work closely with schools to help students across all ability profiles to learn deeply and build a strong foundation in Mathematics and Science.
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