History of Education System in Singapore

By zaky260813

  • 1985s: Survival-driven phase

    As Singapore went through decolonisation, it quickly expanded the education programme. Primary and secondary schools were built, and enrolment in secondary schools almost doubled from 1965 to 1970. The basic curriculum was developed and the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) was started.

  • 1970s: Efficiency-driven phase

    The 6-4-2 education system (six years of primary, four years of secondary and two years of pre-university education) was developed. All schools followed a common curriculum, and students took three common exams: the PSLE, and O and A levels.

  • 1980s: Ability-driven phase

    Basis of the New Education System, implemented in 1980. Students were put into streams when they joined Primary 4, and again in secondary school. The Special Assistance Plan was implemented in nine secondary schools, while the Gifted Ed Program started in 1984.In 1987, Schools were given greater autonomy with the establishment of independent schools. Teachers were given more flexibility to respond to students with varying ability. By 1987, English was taught as a first language.

  • 1990s: Thinking Schools, Learning Nation

    The launching of a master plan for IT in education in 1997. A new vision-Thinking Schools, Learning Nation was launched that same year. It aimed to do away with the Education Ministry's (MOE's) top-down approach by grouping schools in clusters and encouraging them to share best practices and ideas, as well as nurture creative thinking and lifelong learning. Curriculum content was cut by 30 per cent across the board and every teacher received at least 100 hours of training a year by 2000.

  • 2000s: Teach Less, Learn More

    Greater flexibility was introduced, and the vision of Teach Less, Learn More launched in 2004. That same year, the EM1 and EM2 streams were merged. The EM3 stream for academically weaker students was scrapped in 2008. The Integrated Program and Direct School Admissions Scheme were introduced. Polytechnics could select students with special talents and achievements. During this decade, specialist schools such as the Singapore Sports School and the School of the Arts were opened.

  • 5. 2010 and beyond: Every School A Good School

    In 2012, then education minister Heng Swee Keat announced the vision of Every School A Good School, as the ministry sought to quell anxieties among parents about whether students are in "branded schools" or "neighbourhood schools". MOE also scrapped the banding of secondary schools, and stopped releasing information on top scorers for national exams. PSLE received a major overhaul this year, with the T-score to be replaced by scoring bands in 2021.