PAPERCUTSPlacing Primary School Students Taking Subjects at Foundation Level in Same Class as Other Students to Ensure Social Mixing
- The Second Minister for Education explained that Primary 5 and 6 classes already mix students taking Foundation and Standard level subjects, with diversity in gender, race, and ability considered, while acknowledging class size and resource constraints.
- Louis Ng Kok Kwang sought clarification on how streaming at Primary 5 is done, questioning whether it is based on learning ability, race, or interest, and whether mixed-form classes from Secondary schools could be extended to Primary schools.
- The Minister responded that streaming is based on subject-level choices after Primary 4 assessments and parental consultation, with schools given flexibility to create inclusive classes while balancing social mixing with teaching practicality.
- The Minister emphasized that social mixing is one of many considerations in class formation, and opportunities for interaction also occur through school-wide platforms like Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).
- The debate highlighted efforts to foster social mixing in Primary schools while addressing challenges like class size and teacher capacity, with a focus on holistic development and diverse classroom environments.