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PRIMARY

SCHOOL
EDUCATION
Preparing Your Child For Tomorrow
Your Child’s Best
Interests at Heart
The primary school years are an important phase of your child’s
education. During these formative years, the Ministry of Education 01 SCHOOLING FOR EVERY CHILD
(MOE) wants to build every child’s confidence and desire to learn.
Our curriculum aims to provide your child with a broad range of
learning experiences that will help him to discover his talents and 02 NURTURING OUR YOUNG FOR
interests. THE FUTURE
PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
• Six years of compulsory education. 03 CURRICULUM FOR WELL-ROUNDED
LEARNING
• Subject-based Banding to cater to children with different strengths.

• Co-curricular, Values in Action and many other student


05 LANGUAGE MASTERY
development activities to provide a holistic education.

• Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at the end of six years. 06 DIFFERENTIATED LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
• Singapore Citizens need not pay school fees, but a standard
monthly miscellaneous fee of $6.50, and a second-tier 08 LEARN THROUGH PLAY
miscellaneous fee capped at $6.50 are payable.

For more information on school fees payable for your child, please 11 CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
visit https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees

12 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH


YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION MILESTONES SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Primary
15 FINANCING YOUR CHILD’S
Pre-Pri 1 EDUCATION
- Choosing a Primary School

Pri 4 18 PARENTS AND SCHOOLS AS


- Choosing a Subject Combination PARTNERS
Pri 6
- PSLE Certification
20 REGISTERING YOUR CHILD FOR
- Choosing a Secondary School
PRIMARY 1
Secondary
21 SUPPORT AND CONTACT
Sec 2
- Choosing a Subject Combination
The Ministry of Education formulates
Completion of Secondary Education and implements policies on education
- Secondary Education Certification structure, curriculum, pedagogy and
- Choosing a Post-Secondary Educational Institution assessment. We oversee the development
and management of Government-funded
schools, the Institute of Technical Education,
A note for readers: The masculine pronouns (‘him’, ‘he’, ‘his’) in this publication polytechnics and autonomous universities.
are used as gender-neutral pronouns. We also fund academic research.
01 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
02

Schooling for Every Child Nurturing Our Young for the Future
In Singapore, every child receives a six-year compulsory primary school education, which
builds a strong foundation to develop him to his fullest potential and to prepare him for
future learning and work.

To help each child thrive in a digital-rich, diverse and globalised environment, our schools
develop in him 21st Century Competencies and nurture him to become:

• a confident person who has a • an active contributor who is


zest for life, a strong sense of able to work effectively in teams,
right and wrong, is adaptable exercises initiative, takes calculated
and resilient, knows himself, is risks, is innovative and strives for
discerning in judgment, thinks excellence; and
independently and critically, and
communicates effectively; • a concerned citizen who is rooted
to Singapore, has a strong civic
• a self-directed learner who takes consciousness, is responsible to
responsibility for his own learning, and his family, community and nation
questions, reflects and perseveres and takes active roles in improving
in the lifelong pursuit of learning; the lives of others.

In school, your child will be able • Critical and Inventive Thinking


to gain the knowledge, skill sets,
competencies and values he needs • Communication, Collaboration
to thrive in the 21st century. and Information Skills.

Our Framework for 21st Century Our curriculum is designed to nurture


Competencies and Student Outcomes these values in your child and develop
encapsulates values and competencies the competencies through various subject
which we have identified as being disciplines, Character and Citizenship
fundamental in the development of every Education (CCE), enrichment programmes,
child. The Framework incorporates: and other learning experiences
in school.
• Core Values
(respect, responsibility, resilience, The diverse range of Student Development
integrity, care, harmony); Experiences, such as Co-Curricular
Activities (CCAs) offered in each school
• Social and Emotional Competencies also provides another platform for your
(self-awareness, self-management, child to acquire and apply these values
social awareness, relationship and competencies, while discovering his
management, responsible decision- interests and talents.
making); and
We have also strengthened the quality
• 21st Century Competencies for a of Physical Education, Art and Music
Globalised World education for your child’s holistic
They are: development. Your child will get to
• Civic Literacy, Global Awareness develop physical robustness, enhance
and Cross-Cultural Skills his creative and expressive capacities,
and shape his personal, cultural and
social identities.
03 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
04

Curriculum for
Well-Rounded Learning
The primary school curriculum is designed to give your child a strong foundation that includes:
- Nurturing sound values;
- Developing social-emotional competency & citizenship dispositions; and
- Developing literacy and numeracy skills.

The curriculum offered by the Ministry focuses on three main aspects of education – subject
disciplines, knowledge skills and character development.

• Subject disciplines comprise languages, humanities and the


arts, and mathematics and sciences, designed to give your child a good grounding
in different fields of study.

• Knowledge skills focus on developing your child’s thinking and communication skills.
Knowledge skills are taught through a variety of subjects and often through a
project work approach. This allows your child to tap his knowledge skills to clearly
demonstrate what he has acquired, either individually or collaboratively in a team.

• Character development is facilitated through lessons, daily interactions, as well as


the different learning experiences planned by the school. These experiences focus
on instilling core values, social-emotional competencies and citizenship dispositions
in your child. Your child will have many opportunities to develop these values
and skills through Character and Citizenship Education lessons, and key Student
Development Experiences such as Co-Curricular Activities, Cohort Learning PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM SUBJECTS
Journeys and Outdoor Adventure Learning Cohort Camps beyond the classroom. EXAMINED IN PSLE#
Following the introduction of Subject-based Banding (Primary), your child will be offered Standard Subjects:
English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics and Science as either Foundation LANGUAGES English Language, Mother Tongue
or Standard subjects at Primary 5 and 6, depending on his learning needs and strengths. Language, Mathematics, Science
English Language
Students with the aptitude and interest may also be offered Higher Mother Tongue
Mother Tongue Language Foundation Subjects:
Language.
Foundation English Language,
KNOWLEDGE Foundation Mother Tongue Language,
SKILLS Foundation Mathematics,
Foundation Science

Life Skills Optional Subject:


CCE lessons, Higher Mother Tongue Language
PE, SDEs^
LEGEND
CCE Character and Citizenship
HUMANITIES PROJECT MATHEMATICS Education
& THE ARTS WORK & SCIENCES SDEs Student Development
Social Studies Mathematics Experiences
Music Science* PE Physical Education
Art # Students take Standard or Foundation subjects
depending on their learning needs and strengths in
each subject.

* Science is taught from Primary 3 onwards.

^ Refer to page 9 for details of Student


Development Experiences.
05 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
06

Language Mastery Differentiated Learning Environment


LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
Schools have Learning Support Programmes (LSP)
for students entering Primary 1, to ensure that help
is provided for those who need it.

The LSP for English provides additional support for


students with weak literacy skills. Students attend
lessons for one period a day in small groups, and
are taught by specially trained teachers using
strategies that will improve their reading ability.

The LSP for Mathematics provides additional


support to students who need help in acquiring
basic numeracy skills. Students are taught in
smaller groups during their regular mathematics
periods or have supplementary lessons by
specially trained teachers.

ENGLISH AND MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES


Your child will learn English in primary school. English is the lingua franca of international business, science and PROGRAMMES FOR
technology. Therefore, it is essential for our young to develop a strong foundation in the English Language. INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED STUDENTS
The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) caters to
Your child will also learn his Mother Tongue Language (Chinese Language, Malay Language or Tamil Language). students who are intellectually gifted.
Bilingualism, a cornerstone of our education system, has been a valuable asset to our students, enabling them to
tap the opportunities that can be found in the global environment. Your child’s school will invite him to participate
in a Screening Exercise when he is in Primary 3,
With more Primary 1 students coming from households where English is the dominant language spoken at home, as part of a two-stage Identification Exercise, to
we will continue to refine the teaching of Mother Tongue Languages. Schools adopt differentiated teaching select students for the GEP.
approaches to cater to students from different home-language backgrounds.
GEP students will be placed in selected primary
We promote the use of the Mother Tongue Languages, with greater emphasis on listening and speaking skills at schools from Primary 4 to Primary 6. The enriched
the lower primary levels. curriculum in the GEP is built upon the subject
syllabi of the regular curriculum, and taught by
teachers selected and trained by MOE’s Gifted
Education Branch.
REVISED MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE CURRICULUM: KEY FEATURES

CHINESE LANGUAGE MALAY LANGUAGE TAMIL LANGUAGE GEP students are placed in mixed form classes
CURRICULUM CURRICULUM CURRICULUM with their mainstream peers and have many
opportunities to learn and play with them during
• Emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing.
lessons for Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP),
• Emphasis on interaction skills.
Mother Tongue Language, Physical Education,
• Teaching tailored to meet the different learning needs of students.
Art and Music, as well as Values in Action (VIA)
• More engaging and appealing teaching materials that capture students’ interest.
projects and CCA.
• Modular approach where all • Students will have the • Students will have the
students will take the Core Module; opportunity to progress opportunity to progress to Mainstream students with high ability in specific
students who require more support to different levels of different levels of achievement areas will have opportunities to enrich their
can take Bridging/Reinforcement achievement in in their learning. They will also learning through both school-based and MOE
Modules; students with interest and their learning. be given more opportunities centrally-organised activities during or outside of
ability to go further can take to practise Spoken Tamil. school hours.
Enrichment Modules.
07 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
08

SUBJECT-BASED BANDING (PRIMARY)


Subject-based Banding for Primary Schools begins in Primary 5 and continues till Primary 6. Learn Through Play
It provides greater flexibility for your child by offering him the option of a combination of Standard and/or
Foundation subjects, depending on his strengths. This will help him focus on and stretch his potential in the
subjects that he is strong in, while building up the fundamentals in the subjects in which he needs more support.

HOW
W DOES SUBJECT-BASED BANDING (PRIMARY) WORK?

AT PRIMARY 4

Student sits for school-based examinations


School recommends a subject combination based on the student’s results.
Parents fill up an option form indicating the preferred combination.

AT PRIMARY 5

Student takes subject combination chosen by parents


English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language are available at Standard and
Foundation levels.

Higher Mother Tongue Language is also available.

School assesses student’s ability to cope with the current subject combination at the end of the year.

Adjustments to the number of Standard and Foundation subjects can be made, if necessary.

AT PRIMARY 6

Student takes subject combination decided by his school and sits for the Primary School Leaving Examination
(PSLE) at the end of Primary 6.

The MOE has progressively implemented a series of CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP


enhancements to primary school education from EDUCATION
2009, which incorporate the recommendations made
by the Primary Education Review and Implementation Character and Citizenship Education
(PERI) committee. These enhancements aim to make (CCE) Lessons
learning more enjoyable and meaningful for your In primary schools, CCE is taught through CCE Form
child, and seek to develop in him a balance of skills Teacher Guidance Period and CCE Mother Tongue
and values. Language lessons.

MORE ENGAGING TEACHING METHODS • Form Teacher Guidance Period (FTGP)


Our teachers are adopting more creative teaching CCE (FTGP) provides opportunities for your child
strategies in the curriculum to make lessons come to learn social emotional competencies and
to life. For example, your child will be able to learn values, and for the Form Teachers to build
mathematical and science concepts through quality teacher-student relationships. Form
investigative tasks and real-life activities, and Teachers play a central role in shaping the
language skills through role-play and drama. development of their young charges. Through
lessons that cover content areas such as sexuality
education, mental health and cyber wellness,
Form Teachers guide students to understand
09 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
10

the physical, social and emotional changes that Student Development Experiences HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT TO curriculum demands during the Primary 3 and 5
they experience as they grow up, cope (SDEs) SUPPORT LEARNING transition years of learning, mid-year examinations
with life’s stresses and develop resilience, SDEs are programmes and activities that contribute Assessment is integral to the teaching and will be removed for these levels by 2021.
explore their interests and strengths, and towards the holistic development of your child in learning process.
navigate the cyber world effectively and safely. the physical, aesthetic, intellectual, moral and As parents, you will receive more meaningful and
social domains. Holistic Assessment emphasises the development regular feedback that highlights areas where your
• CCE in Mother Tongue Languages of skills and values, as well as the acquisition of child has done well, and also ways to improve
CCE is also taught in Mother Tongue Languages SDEs comprise the following: Co-Curricular Activities knowledge to enable your child to build greater his learning.
as values are closely intertwined with culture, (CCA); Cohort Learning Journeys e.g. Museum- confidence and nurture a stronger intrinsic motivation
stories and language. Teachers will provide the based Learning; Education and Career Guidance to learn. This will in turn help your child to develop SINGLE-SESSION PRIMARY SCHOOLS
necessary scaffolding and guidance to help their experiences; National Education Commemorative his potential. All primary schools will be operating at single session
students understand and articulate their views in Days e.g. Racial Harmony Day; Outdoor Adventure from 2022 onwards. This means schools will have more
their Mother Tongue Languages. Learning Cohort Camps; Student Leadership With Holistic Assessment, schools move beyond tests time and space to focus on non-academic aspects
Development Programmes; and Values in Action, and examinations, and use other appropriate such as leadership training and character building.
• Programme for Active Learning (PAL) including Everyday Responsibilities assessment modes to provide useful information
To encourage learning beyond the classroom, that supports your child’s learning and holistic A single-session structure does not mean a full day
PAL gives your child the chance to discover Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) are an integral part of development. of school; it only means an extension of one to two
new interests, learn new skills and develop his a well-rounded education and play an important role hours on certain days to facilitate your child’s non-
character. Your child will have the opportunity in building character. There is a whole spectrum of At Primary 1 and 2, there will be no examinations academic development. Schools are given the
during curriculum time to try out activities in exciting CCAs for your child to choose from, ranging and weighted assessments* so that your child can flexibility to plan these activities based on their
sports and outdoor education, as well as in from physical sports, uniformed groups, visual and ease into formal schooling more smoothly. Teachers specific needs.
the performing and visual arts. All primary schools performing arts, to clubs and societies. They help will continue to leverage assessments to check for
offer PAL to their Primary 1 and 2 students. nurture in your child qualities such as resilience, cross- students’ understanding. They will provide timely and New infrastructure will be put in place to support
cultural awareness, confidence and creativity. targeted feedback to students to move their learning these non-academic activities. School facilities
forward, and improve teaching practices, harnessing and spaces are being redesigned, and this includes
technology where useful. To provide your child with outdoor learning spaces and additional venues for
adequate time and space to adjust to the increased performing arts.

* Weighted assessments refer to assessments where the scores


form part of the computation of a student’s overall results in a
subject for the year.
11 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
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Choosing the Right School Support for Students with


To help you choose a school that matches the
needs of your child, you can consider factors such SCHOOL IDENTITY
Special Educational Needs
as siblings currently studying in the school, parental Each school has its own unique strengths. Learning
ties, programmes that match your child’s interests, about the school will enable you to find out about the:
proximity to home, and school culture. Here are some
possible considerations when shortlisting schools. • School’s vision and mission
• Culture of the school
DISTANCE TO SCHOOL • Parent Support Groups
A shorter distance from the school to your home
means shorter travelling times and reduced transport AFFILIATED SCHOOLS
costs. It also provides better opportunities for you to forge Some primary schools (mostly those with church/clan
a strong relationship with the school of your choice. associations) have close ties with certain secondary
schools, in the form of affiliation.
Stronger ties with the school means better
co-operation in raising and educating your child. Your child can enjoy priority for admission to the
secondary school affiliated to his primary school,
For a list of schools near your residential address provided he meets the school’s admission criteria,
(within 1 km and 1-to-2 km), visit the Singapore Land and he indicates the affiliated secondary school as
Authority’s One Map School Query Service his first choice. Admission priority will only apply to the
(www.onemap.sg). ‘O’ level track of the affiliated secondary school.

MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PLAN SCHOOLS


Explore the Mother Tongue Language options Special Assistance Plan schools nurture in their
offered at the schools of your choice. Parents students a deep understanding and appreciation of
should note that: the Chinese Language, culture, values and heritage,
and enable them to be effectively bilingual in both
• Chinese Language is offered in all schools English and Chinese languages.
• Malay Language is offered in all except Special
Assistance Plan schools
• Tamil Language is offered in most schools, but do
confirm this with the schools of your choice. The Compulsory Education Act provides for Understanding your child’s needs, strengths, and
compulsory primary education in Singapore. difficulties can help you identify the right kind of
YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS Your child must attend a national primary school support for him. You can find out more about
Consider your child’s non-academic interests like (government or government-aided primary school or your child’s needs by speaking to your child’s
sports, performing arts, music and technology, and government-funded special education (SPED) school) teachers and professionals working with your child.
find out if the school you are considering offers regularly if they are: An assessment by a qualified professional is the best
activities that match these interests. way to get a clear diagnosis and recommendation
• of compulsory school age (above 6 years old for support. An assessment is also necessary to apply
• Co-curricular Activities and under 15 years old); to a SPED school.
Schools offer a variety of Co-curricular Activities • a Singapore Citizen; and
that include sports and games, uniformed groups, • living in Singapore, Check with your healthcare
and visual and performing arts groups, and clubs professional that he/she
and societies. unless they have been granted exemption. This adheres to the Professional
requirement has been extended to children with Practice Guidelines on Psycho-
• School-based Programmes moderate-to-severe special educational needs (SEN) educational Assessment
If your child has interests in areas such as sports born after 1 January 2012, since 2019. and Placement of Students
or the arts, you may wish to find out about the with Special Educational
schools that offer distinctive programmes in Children with SEN may require additional help Needs, which can be found Professional Practice
Guidelines
these areas. and support to adapt socially or learn in school. here: https://go.gov.sg/
professionalpracticeguidelines
13 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
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SUPPORT IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS have seen positive outcomes for students with mild SUPPORT IN SPECIAL sizes with specialised instruction and in-class support,
Support is available in all mainstream schools for ASD and their peers. Students also have access to EDUCATION SCHOOLS as well as therapy support services from professionals
students with SEN, such as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit referral services like the Response Early Intervention Special Education (SPED) schools offer customised such as speech and language therapists, occupational
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mild Autism Spectrum and Assessment in Community Mental Health curriculum and educational pathways to cater to therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and social
Disorder (ASD), hearing loss, and visual or physical (REACH) provided by the Institute of Mental Health. the diverse needs of children with moderate-to- workers. Every student has an Individual Education Plan
impairment. These students have mild SEN, which severe SEN. All SPED schools optimise their students’ (IEP) to support his unique learning needs.
allows them to access the national curriculum Students with hearing loss, and visual or physical potential and abilities – both academic and
and learn in large-group settings because of their impairment can access itinerant school-based non-academic – for independent living, continual At the secondary level, an Individual Transition Plan
cognitive abilities and adequate adaptive skills. educational support services (ISS) provided by AWWA learning, and meaningful work when they graduate. is developed for each student based on his interests,
Ltd and Singapore Association of the Deaf. Assistive preferences and strengths, to support his transition to
All primary schools have teachers trained in special technological devices such as Frequency Modulation There is a range of government-funded SPED schools post-school pathways and positive life outcomes.
needs and Allied Educators (Learning and Behavioural (FM) equipment, electronic magnifiers, talking run by different Social Service Agencies that cater to
Support) to help students with SEN integrate into the calculators etc. are also made available to support SEN, including Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum A number of educational pathways are available to
school environment. Schools also have access to students’ learning needs. Designated mainstream Disorder, Physical and Multiple Disabilities, Hearing Loss suit your child’s cognitive and adaptive functioning.
MOE psychologists who provide consultation and schools provide specialised support for students and Visual Impairment. Students who can access the national curriculum can
advice on supporting these students. with moderate to profound hearing loss or visual do so in SPED schools set up to provide this curriculum.
impairment, who are able to access the national The curriculum in SPED schools focuses on developing
curriculum: both academic and non-academic skills including There are also SPED schools that offer a customised
To better help students with social and behavioural
communication and language, numeracy, daily living curriculum for students requiring more specialised
needs develop independence in Primary 1, educational support and vocational education for
• Mayflower Primary School has specially trained and social emotional skills, PE and Arts, and incorporates
TRANsition Support for InTegration (TRANSIT) will be secondary-aged students.
teachers to support students with moderate-to- the development of skills in the areas of Character and
progressively introduced to schools, where students
Citizenship Education and the use of technology.
will learn foundational self-management skills based profound hearing loss and who use signing as their You can find out more information here: http://moe.
on their specific needs. primary mode of communication. gov.sg/special-educational-needs or visit the SPED
All SPED schools also offer a Vocational Education
• There are also designated secondary schools schools’ websites for information on their respective
curriculum. They also have CCAs and learning journeys
Students with dyslexia are identified at the end of equipped to support students with visual admission processes.
and participate in the Singapore Youth Festival and
Primary 2 and are supported through the School-based impairment or hearing loss at secondary level.
National Schools Games. SPED schools have small class
Dyslexia Remediation (SDR) programme at Primary
3 and 4. They can also access the MOE-subsidised You may also access information
Main Literacy Programme conducted by the Dyslexia on the schools in SchoolFinder at
Association of Singapore. https://moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/.
NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Students with social or behavioural difficulties have


Support Available Financial Assistance Transport Scheme
access to school-based structured peer support in SPED Schools for Students Attending for Students with
intervention such as Circle of Friends (CoF), which SPED Schools Disabilities
SchoolFinder Learn more here: http:// Students attending SPED To find out more about
moe.gov.sg/special- schools are eligible for transport schemes for
educational-needs the same level of financial students with disabilities,
assistance as their peers in visit SG Enable website:
mainstream schools. https://go.gov.sg/
sgenabletransportschemes
Refer to: https://go.gov. sg/ or scan the QR code below.
financialsupportspedschools
for more information or scan
the QR code below.

Support in Financial assistance Transport schemes


SPED Schools
15 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
16

Financing Your Child’s Education


The Edusave Awards recognise students’ achievements in academic and non-academic domains and
encourage them to continue to excel. Your child may qualify for the Edusave Awards if he is a Singapore Citizen
and performs well in the following areas in school.
FEES
School and miscellaneous fees in our local schools have been kept affordable so that every child can enjoy the EDUSAVE AWARDS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA VALUE OF AWARD
benefits of primary school education.
• Edusave Character Up to 2% of students in each school who demonstrated • $200 for Pri 1 to Pri 3
Award exemplary character and outstanding personal qualities • $350 for Pri 4 to Pri 6
2021 SCHOOL FEES AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES: MONTHLY FEES PAYABLE IN through their behaviour and actions.
GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
• Edusave Scholarship Students who are within the top 10% of their school’s level • $350 for Pri 5 to Pri 6
SCHOOL STANDARD SECOND-TIER MISCELLANEOUS and course in terms of academic performance, and have
FEES MISCELLANEOUS FEES FEES1 demonstrated good conduct.
Singapore Citizen $0 $6.50 $6.50 (Your child may use his • Edusave Awards for Up to 10% of students from each school who have • $250 for Pri 4 to Pri 6
Edusave account to pay the
Achievement, Good demonstrated leadership qualities, service to community
second-tier miscellaneous fees)
Leadership and and schools, excellence in non-academic activities, and
Singapore PR $205.00 $6.50 $6.50 Service good conduct.
International Student $465.00 $6.50 $6.50 • Edusave Merit Bursary FOR PRIMARY 1 AND 2 STUDENTS • $200 for Pri 1 & Pri 2
(ASEAN) Students who consistently demonstrated positive learning
International Student $775.00 $6.50 $6.50 dispositions in the course of the year, have demonstrated
good conduct and whose monthly household income
1
Second-tier miscellaneous fees are decided by schools up to a cap of 100% of the standard miscellaneous fees. does not exceed $6,900 (or Per Capita Income* does not
exceed $1,725).

FOR PRIMARY 3 TO 6 STUDENTS • $200 for Pri 3


For more information on school fees payable for your child in mainstream schools, please visit Students who are within the top 25% of their school’s • $250 for Pri 4 to Pri 6
https://moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees level and course in terms of academic performance,
have demonstrated good conduct and whose monthly
For more information on school fees for Special Education (SPED) schools, please visit the respective household income does not exceed $6,900 (or Per Capita
SPED schools’ websites. You may also wish to contact the schools directly for further enquiries. Income* does not exceed $1,725). Students must not be
recipients of an Edusave Scholarship.

• Edusave Good FOR PRIMARY 2 AND 3 STUDENTS • $100 for Pri 2 to Pri 3
EDUSAVE SCHEME Progress Award Students who do not qualify for Edusave Merit Bursary but
The Edusave Scheme maximises educational opportunities for all Singaporean children by providing both the showed the greatest improvement in learning disposition in
children and schools with funds to pay for enrichment programmes, or to purchase additional resources. It also the course of the year and demonstrated good conduct.
rewards those who perform well, or who make good progress in their academic and non-academic work.
FOR PRIMARY 4 TO 6 STUDENTS • $150 for Pri 4 to Pri 6
Your child will receive an annual contribution in his Edusave account, if he is a Singapore Citizen, and aged 7 to Students who are within the top 10% of their school’s
16 or enrolled at primary and secondary levels in MOE-funded schools. The amount contributed for 2021 is $230 level and course in terms of improvement in academic
for primary-level students. performance and have demonstrated good conduct.

*
Per Capita Income is gross monthly household income divided by the number of members in the household.
EDUSAVE PUPILS FUND

Your child may use the funds in his Edusave account to pay for: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES
• Enrichment programmes organised by his school; and Financial assistance schemes are available to ensure that no child is denied an education because of his
• Second-tier miscellaneous fees in government or government-aided primary schools. financial situation. The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) provides needy students with free textbooks,
school attire, transport and meal subsidies, and full subsidy of standard miscellaneous fees.

In addition, schools provide discretionary assistance using school-based funds. This school-based assistance
can benefit those who do not meet the qualifying criteria for the MOE FAS, as well as provide additional
assistance to those on the MOE FAS who need further aid. Parents and students can approach the schools
directly if they require financial assistance.
17 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
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MOE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME (FAS) FOR


GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS Parents and Schools as Partners
ELIGIBILITY STANDARD TEXTBOOKS SCHOOL MEALS TRANSPORT
MISCELLANEOUS ATTIRE
FEES

• Family with gross 100% subsidised Free Free Subsidies Students taking
household income not for seven school bus: 60%
exceeding $2,750 per meals per subsidy of monthly
month; or school school bus fares; or
week
• Per Capita Income* not Students taking
exceeding $690 per public transport:
month $15 transport subsidy
per month, up to
$180 per annum

*
Per Capita Income is gross monthly household income divided by the number of members in the household.

Parenting can be an exciting and enriching journey and as a parent,


you play a key role in your child’s growth together with the school. Our
children do best when schools and parents work hand in hand, with
mutual trust and respect. Through a close partnership with your child’s
school, you could better understand the needs and development of
your child, and give him the necessary care, support and reinforcement
Tips on how you can support
your child’s educational journey at home. The QR code on the left provides some tips on how you can
support your child’s educational journey.

When your child enters Primary 1, you will receive a copy of the Parent-
Child Activity Book, which is a resource for parents to support their child’s
transition from pre-school to Primary 1. The book offers parenting tips
and activities to encourage conversations at home. It also helps you
reinforce values and routines that your child practises in school. You can
OPPORTUNITY FUND also ask your child about a segment titled “Family Time” in his Character
Beyond these financial assistance schemes, MOE provides the Opportunity Fund that our schools can use for and Citizenship Education lessons in school, which promotes parent-child
the provision of enrichment activities and overseas school trips for Singaporean students from less-advantaged bonding through suggested activities.
backgrounds. The Fund can also be used to subsidise the purchase of computers to ensure that students in need
are not denied learning opportunities. Here are some tips on how you can help your child enjoy his learning
experience in his early years of education.
19 PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
20

HELP YOUR CHILD KNOW HIS SCHOOL


ENVIRONMENT
The sooner your child becomes familiar with his new
• Avoid comparing your child’s performance with
that of others. Registering Your Child for Primary 1
environment, the more positive he will feel about • Affirm your child’s efforts – focus on the process, Under the Compulsory Education Act, Singapore Citizens born after
going to school. not the achievements, marks or grades. 1 January 1996 and residing in Singapore are required to attend national
primary schools regularly.
• Show them pictures of the school. You can look • Make time to play with your child and enjoy his
up the school website for more information or company. If your child was born between 2 January 2015 and 1 January 2016 (both
visit its social media platforms to find out more. P1 Registration
dates inclusive), you should register your child at the 2021 Primary 1
• Encourage your child, especially when he is website Registration Exercise for admission to Primary 1 in January 2022. Your child
• Talk to your child about the new routines he will be disheartened, and help him learn to be resilient. will be at least 6 years old on 1 January at the year of admission.
going through every day, such as wearing a school
uniform, going to the canteen and playing with his HELP YOUR CHILD TO LEARN If your child has been medically assessed to not be ready or suitable for
peers at recess.
INDEPENDENTLY AND MANAGE Primary 1, approval for deferment of registration can be considered.
HIMSELF More information on deferment application and the relevant form can
Parents play a key role in shaping the values, skills be found here: https://www.moe.gov.sg/primary/compulsory-education/
• Encourage your child to practise skills such as
and habits the child picks up that will serve him well deferment and queries may be directed to MOE_CEU@moe.gov.sg
asking for permission, buying food, organising his
through life.
school bag and passing messages between his
school and parents. 2021 PRIMARY 1 REGISTRATION EXERCISE
• Create a conducive learning environment for your Please look out for information on the 2021 Primary 1 Registration Exercise
child to read and learn. and its dates of registration here: https://go.gov.sg/p1reg in
• Get him excited about new experiences, such as
making new friends or learning new things. May/June 2021.
• Help your child to develop a routine, so that he
learns to be responsible for the things he has to do,
• Tell your child whom he can approach for help
including homework.
in school (such as his Form Teacher or School
Counsellor) and how he can seek assistance. You
• Encourage your child to do his homework
can even role-play asking for help with your child.
independently – it helps him to learn and it helps
teachers understand his learning progress.
KNOW AND SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
As your child starts his new educational journey, we
• Guide your child in managing his time.
need to continue to understand his strengths and
interests and support his development.
• Encourage your child to live a healthy, balanced
life with time for sleep and play.
• Build and strengthen a good relationship with your
child. Respect his opinions and listen to what he
• Discipline your child with empathy and care. Your
has to say.
child’s misbehaviour, though incorrect, may be his
best attempt to meet his needs at that moment.
• Talk to the teachers about how you can support
Misbehaviours require consequences and
your child in adapting to school life during the
correction with understanding and love. Engage
transition to Primary 1.
the teachers to find out how you can support your
child in managing problems and emotions.
• Understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Get feedback from your child’s teachers on his
• Teach your child to monitor his own behaviour so
strengths and progress in academic and non-
as to develop self-discipline.
academic areas, as well as his behaviour. This will
help you understand how to guide him and
• Be alert to his needs and fears. Seek help from
develop his strengths further.
school personnel such as the Form Teacher, School
Counsellor, Head of Department overseeing
• Have realistic expectations and achievable goals
student welfare, Learning Support Coordinator,
for your child. Set step-by-step goals to enable
or other professionals, if necessary.
your child to achieve them and experience success.
PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
21

SUPPORT AND CONTACT


The partnership established between parents and programmes and projects that will benefit their child
the school will help you stay constantly informed and and the school.
involved in your child’s progress.
For the latest news on education and features on
Your child’s holistic development is the focus of our schools and teachers, please visit www.schoolbag.sg
schools’ efforts. Together, we can help your child and download the Schoolbag mobile app available
realise his full potential. on Apple iTunes Store (for iOS) or the Google Play
Store (for Android).
Do keep in regular contact with your child’s teachers
and also find out more about the school’s various For further information on primary school education,
programmes. Parents keen to serve in their child’s visit MOE’s website at http://www.moe.gov.sg or
school can consider joining its Parent Support call the MOE Customer Service Centre at 6872 2220.
Group (PSG). As part of the PSG, parents will have You can also connect with us on Facebook at
opportunities to work with school personnel on http://www.facebook.com/moesingapore.

GET UPDATES ON P1 REGISTRATION PROCESS WITH THE PARENTS GATEWAY APP

Download the Parents Gateway mobile app to


receive notifications about Primary 1 registration
dates directly from your phone. You can also
receive useful parenting resources on choosing a
suitable school and ensuring a smooth transition
for your child.

This app is one of the ways through which the


school will keep you updated on important
school announcements. With the app, you can
also complete key administrative tasks such as
signing of consent forms and travel declarations,
anywhere, anytime.

Available on Apple App Store, Huawei App


Gallery or Google Play Store from 20 May 2021.
Upon successful download, you
will be guided through a simple one-time
onboarding process.

For Android For iOS For Huawei

Scan the QR code to


download the Parents
1 North Buona Vista Drive Singapore 138675
Gateway App.
Tel: 6872 2220
Email: contact@moe.gov.sg

www.moe.gov.sg

THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOKLET IS CORRECT AS OF MAY 2021


PRODUCED BY COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT GROUP, MOE

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