Racial Mix Consideration at Annual Primary 1 Registration

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Education (a) to what extent do primary schools at the annual Primary 1 registration ensure the racial make-up of their students is reflective of Singapore's society; and (b) what measures do schools take to ensure that their students may effectively learn through peer interactions about the lived experiences of different racial and religious groups.

Mr Deputy Speaker, the Primary 1 (P1) Registration Framework balances a number of factors, including the convenience of having the younger sibling attend the same school as the older sibling, proximity to home or ties that the parents have with the school. Within this framework, parental choice during the P1 Registration Exercise impacts the social profile of students in our primary schools.

In primary schools, students learn about living in a multicultural society through a range of subjects. In Character and Citizenship Education, students learn about the major cultures in Singapore, as well as ways to relate to people of different races and religions. In Social Studies, students explore the contributions of different racial communities in the past and how Singapore’s past shaped the racial and religious diversity today. Students also learn the importance of respecting and appreciating the different cultures. Schools also celebrate different cultural festivals and organise learning journeys to museums, cultural and heritage sites to develop a better understanding of peers from different races and religions in Singapore.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) also provides opportunities for students to interact with peers from different backgrounds within and across schools, such as through our Co-Curricular Activities.