GEP 2012 - Screening & Selection

[Melodies]

拥有阿Q 精神，何尝不是一件辛福的事?

叫人羡慕不己！

[Melodies]

40 stated in MOE website


http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/parliamentary-replies/2012/04/target-class-size-in-primary-a.php

Parliamentary Replies
April 9, 2012
Target Class Size in Primary and Secondary Schools
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) how many primary and secondary schools currently have class sizes of 40 students and above; (b) what is the Ministry’s targeted class size for primary and secondary schools; and (c) when the target can be achieved.
Response

1Most primary and secondary schools have classes of 40 students or fewer, while Primary 1 and 2 classes have 30 students or fewer. We plan on the basis of 30 students per class at primary 1 and 2 and 40 students per class at the other primary and secondary levels.

2While a smaller class size may be intuitively appealing, empirical evidence on the benefits of a smaller class size remains inconclusive. Studies have shown that teacher quality is the most important factor in achieving better student outcomes. Hence, MOE’s focus is on raising the quality of teachers, even as we increase our recruitment of teachers.

3Without compromising teacher quality, our approach has been to progressively deploy more teachers to the schools while giving schools the flexibility to decide on how best to deploy their teachers to meet the needs of their students. This may involve reducing class size for certain subjects or student profiles. For example, in Design & Technology and Home Economics, where students may be required to operate machinery or equipment, the class size is usually 20. Learning support programmes for Primary 1-2 students with difficulties in basic literacy and numeracy skills are conducted in small groups of eight to 10 students. Some schools also deploy two teachers in a class of 40 students—one teacher brings the class through the curriculum, while the other teacher assists specific students who may have difficulty understanding the materials being covered.

4Thus, while the Ministry does not mandate targets for class size, we plan to improve the pupil teacher ratio from 18 and 15 at the primary and secondary levels to 16 and 13 by 2015 when the Education Service grows to 33,000 Education Officers. This will ensure that our schools are well-resourced so that they can organise learning to best meet the needs of our students.
Parliamentary Replies

Nebbermind:

By the way, what is the typical class size of non-IP sec classes? 40 too?

[Sun_2010]

Thanks Melodies for this post. ( I so like ur nick- it feels nice)

Melodies:

40 stated in MOE website


http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/parliamentary-replies/2012/04/target-class-size-in-primary-a.php

Parliamentary Replies
April 9, 2012
Target Class Size in Primary and Secondary Schools
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) how many primary and secondary schools currently have class sizes of 40 students and above; (b) what is the Ministry’s targeted class size for primary and secondary schools; and (c) when the target can be achieved.
Response

1Most primary and secondary schools have classes of 40 students or fewer, while Primary 1 and 2 classes have 30 students or fewer. We plan on the basis of 30 students per class at primary 1 and 2 and 40 students per class at the other primary and secondary levels.

2While a smaller class size may be intuitively appealing, empirical evidence on the benefits of a smaller class size remains inconclusive. Studies have shown that teacher quality is the most important factor in achieving better student outcomes. Hence, MOE’s focus is on raising the quality of teachers, even as we increase our recruitment of teachers.

I did not understand MOE's stand on this. With this context I understand better. Given a choice of having my DC in a class of 40 with a teacher who loves the subject and enjoys teaching kids to being in a class of 25 with an incompetent teacher, I think my preference is pretty obvious.

That said 40+ children in a class seems too much for most teachers. At least relieve them of other admin/CCA tasks so that their time is more effectively spent on giving better feedback to the children

3Without compromising teacher quality, our approach has been to progressively deploy more teachers to the schools while giving schools the flexibility to decide on how best to deploy their teachers to meet the needs of their students. This may involve reducing class size for certain subjects or student profiles. For example, in Design & Technology and Home Economics, where students may be required to operate machinery or equipment, the class size is usually 20. Learning support programmes for Primary 1-2 students with difficulties in basic literacy and numeracy skills are conducted in small groups of eight to 10 students. Some schools also deploy two teachers in a class of 40 students—one teacher brings the class through the curriculum, while the other teacher assists specific students who may have difficulty understanding the materials being covered.

4Thus, while the Ministry does not mandate targets for class size, we plan to improve the pupil teacher ratio from 18 and 15 at the primary and secondary levels to 16 and 13 by 2015 when the Education Service grows to 33,000 Education Officers. This will ensure that our schools are well-resourced so that they can organise learning to best meet the needs of our students.
Parliamentary Replies

Nebbermind:

By the way, what is the typical class size of non-IP sec classes? 40 too?

[Chenonceau]

Smaller classes make teaching more pleasant for teachers. Easier to like the subject and your job when you know the odds aren’t stacked against you to do a thorough job without neglecting your family. Teacher passion depends to some extent on work environment.

[Melodies]

:goodpost:


I share the same view!

I still think that we need to have small class-size, competent teachers and good teaching materials for the educational system. I don't think we should compromise any one of them.

I would rather NOT to have spent tax-payers' multi-billions on Garden By the Bay, designer's buildings with 5-star hotel alike and luxury features/facilities for Government statutory boards. My oversea friend are amazed with our high frequency of refurbishment/rebuilding and I always heard comments from them that every thing is new in Singapore and even the conservation buildings look new and chic to them. I would rather spend the tax payers' money on education instead of all these.

Chenonceau:

Smaller classes make teaching more pleasant for teachers. Easier to like the subject and your job when you know the odds aren't stacked against you to do a thorough job without neglecting your family. Teacher passion depends to some extent on work environment.

[baobei]

GEP tests are only conducted for English and Maths. The top PSLE students could have been good in MT and Science which are not tested.


I wonder how are MT and Science taught to the GEPers?

[jershejos]

BeContented:

buds:

Somebody no need to fight the scarcity mah.. so can be contented.


:siam:

Haha. I also fight for the scarcity. But I got sportsmanship leh. When I lose, I not very sore worrrrrr..... Actually I have dreamt of HCI from the time I look for BF till hoping son can go HCI (somehow I like their Chinese Chinese feel :scratchhead: dunno why). It's a 20+ years dream unfulfilled, looks like either gotta wait for son-in-law or grandson.
Still, knowing its the top tier school & DS stood a chance, never get in also no choice, fated lah. So how to be not happy with character & mindset like mine :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

知足常乐. 傻人自有傻人福. 你奈我何？ :boogie:
不过， 我会气死旁边要求比较高的人。

Me too ever thot to hv BF at least as Chinese edu as me but ended up wif one super English edu one... I too hope that my DD n DS2 can continue my legacy ... Hahaha

[kiasurian]

When will we know the selection test result?

[Vevey]

kiasurian:

When will we know the selection test result?

The assistant director at make-up test only said will b early nov as stated in letter. All scripts being marked at GE branch now.

[gogoahead]

kiasurian:

When will we know the selection test result?

forgot the exact date, should be early nov.