Extent of Incorporation of Overseas Art-related Study Trips into School Curriculums

Ms Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the extent to which overseas art-related study trips are incorporated into school curriculums for students in primary, secondary and post-secondary levels; (b) how is the effectiveness of such trips measured; (c) what is the number of such trips that have taken place over the last 10 years; (d) how are such trips funded; and (e) whether there are plans to increase the frequency of such trips.

The Art syllabuses in schools encompass a wide range of art forms and media, themes and topics, exposing students to a range of artworks by Singapore, Asian and international artists. Schools organise learning journeys to local art museums and arts organisations to enable students to learn about art in context and to deepen their cultural appreciation.

While schools, polytechnics, the Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) and autonomous universities are not required to organise overseas art-related study trips for students, some have done so as part of their broader offering of learning opportunities. Over the last 10 years (2013-2022), schools have organised about 50 overseas art-related study trips. At LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, which are part of the University of the Arts Singapore, students have opportunities to take part in overseas programmes and exchanges. Both schools and the Institutes of Higher Learning tap on various sources of funding to support overseas programmes, including those that support needy Singaporean students.