MOE Approves the Introduction of Integrated Programmes in Four Schools

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1 RAdm (NS) Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education, announced at the fifth Principals' Appointment Ceremony on 30 Dec 2002 that the Ministry of Education has approved the introduction of the Integrated Programme in four schools, viz. the Raffles and Hwa Chong families of schools, National Junior College and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent).

2 The introduction of Integrated Programmes will increase diversity and add choice to Singapore's education system. The Integrated Programme, which allows secondary students to proceed to Junior College without taking the 'O' levels, caters to those who can benefit from a less structured Upper Secondary / Junior College programme. The hallmark of the Integrated Programmes should be innovation and the provision of a holistic education.

3 In assessing the merits of the proposals submitted by these schools, the Ministry considered favourably features of the Integrated Programme that will allow the schools to continue reflecting the key strengths of Singapore's education system and that go beyond preparing their students to meet the requirements for the 'A' level examination and graduation from JC. In particular, the schools must provide students with a broad-based education that develops their capacities for creative and critical thinking and optimises the use of the students' time to provide them with opportunities to develop their leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

4 The Integrated Programme schools can set their own criteria for admission of students as long as the criteria are merit-based and transparent. The implementation of Integrated Programmes should not reduce access to our top institutions for deserving students. There will continue to be opportunities for students, including those from non-affiliated schools, to join these Integrated Programme schools at the different entry points.

5 The Integrated Programme schools are expected to start enrolling students for Integrated Programmes from 2004.

6 The Integrated Programme is one of the key recommendations of the Junior College/Upper Secondary Education Review Committee. The Committee has assessed that students who are clearly university-bound may not need to take the 'O' levels. They can better spend the last four years of their upper secondary / junior college education, from Secondary 3 to JC 2, engaging in broader learning experiences. Therefore, the Committee has recommended that some schools which are ready should offer an Integrated Programme that provides a seamless upper secondary and JC education where secondary students can proceed to JC without the need to take the 'O' level examinations.