• The education system is flexible and caters to every child’s abilities, interests and aptitudes so as to help each develop to his fullest potential. It focuses on the development of human resources to meet Singapore’s need for an educated and skilled workforce. It also facilitates the inculcation of sound moral values to serve as a cultural ballast in the face of rapid progress and change.

• Every child in Singapore undergoes at least 10 years of general education. This comprises six years of primary education and four years of secondary education. The areas of literacy, numeracy, bilingualism, physical and moral education, and creative and independent thinking are emphasized by the education system. The bilingual policy requires that each child learns English and his mother tongue. This enables children to be proficient in English, which is the language of commerce, technology and administration, and their mother tongue, the language of their cultural heritage. Computer-based programmes are also introduced in schools to ensure that pupils are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

• Creative thinking skills and learning skills are essential for the future. The ministry has taken on the challenge to develop and expand our students’ creative potential and to instil in them the desire for continual learning. In addition, Information Technology will be used widely as teaching and learning resources to develop skills in communication and independent learning. National Education is also taught to foster strong bonds among students and develop in them a sense of responsibility and commitment to family, community and country.

• This vision for meeting the challenges for the future can be summed up in four words: THINKING SCHOOLS, LEARNING NATION. It is a vision which will ensure that Singapore will be a nation of thinking and committed citizens who are capable of contributing towards Singapore’s continued growth and prosperity.

(Contributed from: http://www.moe.gov.sg)