School-based enrichment programmes set for nationwide expansion

Activities for high-ability pupils include science experiments, honing debating skills

- Gabrielle Chan

A Blangah Rise Primary School pupil raising her hand to offer feedback on a classmate's oratorical skills while undergoing the English Language oracy curriculum on March 2. With them is head of department for English Aprilene Goh. From 2027, such school-based programmes will take in 10 per cent of all primary school pupils.

(ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN)

Speaking confidently before an audience did not always come naturally to Primary 6 pupil Carys Ang, who describes herself as shy and lacking in confidence when she was younger.

But after two years of being part of Blangah Rise Primary School’s after-school debate programme, she can now deliver speeches with poise, backed up by arguments and rebuttals drawing on real-world knowledge.

“When I was in Primary 4, I went to see my first-ever competitive debate as an audience member, and I was so impressed at how the participants spoke so well,” said Carys. “And I wanted to become like them.”

Today, Carys, 12, represents her school in competitions, using the weekly sessions taught by its English language teachers to strengthen her voice projection and improve her clarity of speech. Such enrichment includes topics like design thinking and journalism.

She is one of 40 pupils who were selected by her school for English language enrichment classes.

Overall, 15 per cent of the school’s Primary 3 to Primary 6 cohorts are enrolled in various enrichment programmes, including those in mathematics and science, which were introduced in 2019.

Such school-based provisions for high-ability pupils are set for a nationwide expansion.