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from yahoo.com:
Sustainability education in all schools via Eco Stewardship Programme: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — Sustainability education will be launched in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, with students being empowered to strengthen the country's green efforts.
Education Minister Lawrence Wong said during the Committee of Supply (COS) debate on the Green Plan 2030 on Thursday (4 March) that his ministry wants to instil a broader mindset change and new environmentally conscious habits.
"These will take time to take root in our society. We must start young and inculcate them in our students through education," he said.
Eco Stewardship Programme encompasses '4Cs'
To do so, all schools from primary to pre-university levels will introduce the Eco Stewardship Programme (ESP). This will apply to all schools from primary to pre-university levels and will be done through the "4Cs" – curriculum, campus, culture and community.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will refresh and enhance the teaching and learning of sustainability within the science and humanities curriculum.
For instance, the primary social studies curriculum will teach students about the importance of using resources wisely to protect the environment. Meanwhile, sustainability will be featured in the revised lower-secondary science curriculum, as well as the upper-secondary and pre-university geography curriculum.
For the second "C" – campus – MOE will enhance the infrastructure in all schools with sustainability features, including more trees, energy-efficient technologies such as LED lights and Direct-Current ceiling fans, as well as solar panel deployment.
The ministry will encourage a culture of sustainability by encourage students to adopt daily habits such as reducing energy use and food waste, conserving water and recycling.
It will also leverage community partnerships to expand environment-related volunteering and enrichment opportunities for students.
"Building a culture of sustainability requires schools, families and the community to complement one another’s efforts. The learning from schools will reinforce our community efforts, and in turn, will encourage and cultivate more good habits to create a ripple effect on society," Wong said.
4 schools to pilot sustainability features, concepts
To help schools reduce carbon footprint, MOE will be piloting sustainability features and concepts in four schools – Elias Park Primary School, Mee Toh School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Tampines Secondary School – from April to 2023.
This will help the ministry work towards a two-thirds reduction of net carbon emissions from the schools sector by 2030.
The pilot will focus on:
To complement environmental education efforts in schools, Science Centre Singapore will partner schools to enhance their programmes, including conducting sustainability-themed learning journeys and mentoring students to lead their peers.
In addition, the new Science Centre, to be developed at the Jurong Lake District, will showcase innovative sustainability technologies, through programmes and exhibits to continue to engage youths and the public to inspire sustainable lifestyle changes.
Singapore's Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) will continue to be strong supporters of environmental sustainability. Wong said that the IHLs will connect students with relevant industry partners to curate internships to expose students to jobs in the sustainability sectors. They are also enhancing their green infrastructure and promoting sustainable living initiatives on campus.
"We hope to see in every student an eco steward for life – where they will have a sensible sensitivity towards the environment, and understand what it means to live sustainably," Wong said.
Sustainability education in all schools via Eco Stewardship Programme: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — Sustainability education will be launched in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, with students being empowered to strengthen the country's green efforts.
Education Minister Lawrence Wong said during the Committee of Supply (COS) debate on the Green Plan 2030 on Thursday (4 March) that his ministry wants to instil a broader mindset change and new environmentally conscious habits.
"These will take time to take root in our society. We must start young and inculcate them in our students through education," he said.
Eco Stewardship Programme encompasses '4Cs'
To do so, all schools from primary to pre-university levels will introduce the Eco Stewardship Programme (ESP). This will apply to all schools from primary to pre-university levels and will be done through the "4Cs" – curriculum, campus, culture and community.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will refresh and enhance the teaching and learning of sustainability within the science and humanities curriculum.
For instance, the primary social studies curriculum will teach students about the importance of using resources wisely to protect the environment. Meanwhile, sustainability will be featured in the revised lower-secondary science curriculum, as well as the upper-secondary and pre-university geography curriculum.
For the second "C" – campus – MOE will enhance the infrastructure in all schools with sustainability features, including more trees, energy-efficient technologies such as LED lights and Direct-Current ceiling fans, as well as solar panel deployment.
The ministry will encourage a culture of sustainability by encourage students to adopt daily habits such as reducing energy use and food waste, conserving water and recycling.
It will also leverage community partnerships to expand environment-related volunteering and enrichment opportunities for students.
"Building a culture of sustainability requires schools, families and the community to complement one another’s efforts. The learning from schools will reinforce our community efforts, and in turn, will encourage and cultivate more good habits to create a ripple effect on society," Wong said.
4 schools to pilot sustainability features, concepts
To help schools reduce carbon footprint, MOE will be piloting sustainability features and concepts in four schools – Elias Park Primary School, Mee Toh School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Tampines Secondary School – from April to 2023.
This will help the ministry work towards a two-thirds reduction of net carbon emissions from the schools sector by 2030.
The pilot will focus on:
- developing school-based environmental policies and programmes to help schools reduce their carbon footprint;
- trialling lesson packages to raise students’ awareness of their carbon footprints, and how they can reduce them;
- developing and trialling lesson resources which either feature sustainability initiatives or are integrated with green infrastructure within the school environment;
- enhancing infrastructure and campus to reduce each school’s carbon footprint.
To complement environmental education efforts in schools, Science Centre Singapore will partner schools to enhance their programmes, including conducting sustainability-themed learning journeys and mentoring students to lead their peers.
In addition, the new Science Centre, to be developed at the Jurong Lake District, will showcase innovative sustainability technologies, through programmes and exhibits to continue to engage youths and the public to inspire sustainable lifestyle changes.
Singapore's Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) will continue to be strong supporters of environmental sustainability. Wong said that the IHLs will connect students with relevant industry partners to curate internships to expose students to jobs in the sustainability sectors. They are also enhancing their green infrastructure and promoting sustainable living initiatives on campus.
"We hope to see in every student an eco steward for life – where they will have a sensible sensitivity towards the environment, and understand what it means to live sustainably," Wong said.
from straitstimes.com:
Budget debate: More than 350,000 Singapore residents have received first Covid-19 jab, says Gan Kim Yong
SINGAPORE - Steady progress has been made in Singapore's vaccination programme, with more than 350,000 Singapore residents, including around 80 per cent of healthcare workers, already receiving their first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Thursday (March 4).
About 215,000 have received their second dose, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in Parliament on Friday (March 5) during the debate on his ministry's budget.
More than 40,000 seniors aged 70 and above have also received their first dose and the Health Ministry will be rolling out these jabs to seniors aged 60 and above from the end of this month.
With vaccination operations critical for Singapore this year, one vaccination centre will be built in every town from mid-March.
The Covid-19 situation remains stable in the country, Mr Gan said, with one to two new community cases each day.
As the country continues to navigate out of the pandemic, longer-term healthcare issues, such as providing more accessible, affordable and better care, as well as stretching the health dollar, will remain key.
For instance, primary care will be strengthened, with 12 new polyclinics built, bringing the total number of polyclinics to 32 by 2030.
To make healthcare more accessible to seniors, community nursing teams have been expanded to cover 29 regions across the island since September 2020, with a total of 185 community nursing posts.
The Government has also been spending more on healthcare given the country's ageing population, Mr Gan said.
Its share of national health expenditure increased from 40 per cent in 2013 to 46 per cent in 2018.
While expenditure is expected to rise in the future, the Government will have to be prudent on how to allocate these resources to ensure that support is targeted to benefit those who need it most, Mr Gan said.
The Government will also continue to improve the healthcare system's cost-effectiveness and efficiency, Mr Gan assured.
For instance, the Agency for Care Effectiveness - set up by MOH in 2015 - has allowed the Government to save $300 million since 2016. This has helped to benefit more than 375,000 patients.
The Agency for Logistics Procurement and Supply has also managed to save around $180 million in two years by driving economies of scale through group procurement.
Mr Gan also stressed that lower income households will be supported and healthcare must be kept affordable, especially for lower income patients.
He noted that the amount of subsidies received per household for the lowest income quintile has increased by over 70 per cent from 2013 to 2018.
Subsidies will also be more targeted, with those for acute hospitals to be aligned to per capita household income instead of relying on personal income, Mr Gan said.
This is more reflective of the patient's needs, he said.
Finally, personal responsibility remains critical to managing healthcare costs, and all Singaporeans should attend regular health screenings, get vaccinated and adopt healthy living habits.
Budget debate: More than 350,000 Singapore residents have received first Covid-19 jab, says Gan Kim Yong
SINGAPORE - Steady progress has been made in Singapore's vaccination programme, with more than 350,000 Singapore residents, including around 80 per cent of healthcare workers, already receiving their first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Thursday (March 4).
About 215,000 have received their second dose, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said in Parliament on Friday (March 5) during the debate on his ministry's budget.
More than 40,000 seniors aged 70 and above have also received their first dose and the Health Ministry will be rolling out these jabs to seniors aged 60 and above from the end of this month.
With vaccination operations critical for Singapore this year, one vaccination centre will be built in every town from mid-March.
The Covid-19 situation remains stable in the country, Mr Gan said, with one to two new community cases each day.
As the country continues to navigate out of the pandemic, longer-term healthcare issues, such as providing more accessible, affordable and better care, as well as stretching the health dollar, will remain key.
For instance, primary care will be strengthened, with 12 new polyclinics built, bringing the total number of polyclinics to 32 by 2030.
To make healthcare more accessible to seniors, community nursing teams have been expanded to cover 29 regions across the island since September 2020, with a total of 185 community nursing posts.
The Government has also been spending more on healthcare given the country's ageing population, Mr Gan said.
Its share of national health expenditure increased from 40 per cent in 2013 to 46 per cent in 2018.
While expenditure is expected to rise in the future, the Government will have to be prudent on how to allocate these resources to ensure that support is targeted to benefit those who need it most, Mr Gan said.
The Government will also continue to improve the healthcare system's cost-effectiveness and efficiency, Mr Gan assured.
For instance, the Agency for Care Effectiveness - set up by MOH in 2015 - has allowed the Government to save $300 million since 2016. This has helped to benefit more than 375,000 patients.
The Agency for Logistics Procurement and Supply has also managed to save around $180 million in two years by driving economies of scale through group procurement.
Mr Gan also stressed that lower income households will be supported and healthcare must be kept affordable, especially for lower income patients.
He noted that the amount of subsidies received per household for the lowest income quintile has increased by over 70 per cent from 2013 to 2018.
Subsidies will also be more targeted, with those for acute hospitals to be aligned to per capita household income instead of relying on personal income, Mr Gan said.
This is more reflective of the patient's needs, he said.
Finally, personal responsibility remains critical to managing healthcare costs, and all Singaporeans should attend regular health screenings, get vaccinated and adopt healthy living habits.
from yahoo.com:
Private university for the arts to be set up in 3 to 4 years: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — Singapore could see a private university for the arts being set up in the next three or four years, with two of the country's well-established institutions – the LaSalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) – as its constituent colleges.
Minister for Education Lawrence Wong unveiled the plan in Parliament on Wednesday (3 March), and said that his ministry – with the support of the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth – will help establish an alliance between LaSalle and NAFA to form the new university.
Within the alliance, LaSalle and NAFA will remain separate legal entities and distinct colleges offering their own programmes, ensuring their unique heritages continue to be cherished.
However, a new central body will be set up within the alliance, to drive synergies between both colleges and support the awarding of degrees in the name of the new university.
The name of the future university and the location of the central body will be decided later.
"The university will draw on strengths from both colleges and drive synergies between them," Wong explained during the Committee of Supply debate for his ministry.
"For example, students in future can benefit from a more diverse range of offerings, with more opportunities to access cross-institution modules and projects, as well as sharing of learning resources. Faculty can also look forward to more opportunities for joint academic collaborations.
"More importantly, we envisage the university to contribute more to cultural life in Singapore and the region, and offer a stronger value proposition to its students and stakeholders."
MOE has appointed a pro-tem committee to work closely with the two arts institutions, to develop the structure and operating model of the future university of the arts.
Chaired by Ambassador-at-Large Professor Chan Heng Chee, the committee includes representatives from LaSalle, NAFA, academia, government agencies and industry. The committee is expected to complete its work by early 2023.
LaSalle and NAFA saw an intake of about 300 and 130 Singaporean/permanent resident students respectively into their degree programmes for Academic Year 2020.
Private university for the arts to be set up in 3 to 4 years: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — Singapore could see a private university for the arts being set up in the next three or four years, with two of the country's well-established institutions – the LaSalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) – as its constituent colleges.
Minister for Education Lawrence Wong unveiled the plan in Parliament on Wednesday (3 March), and said that his ministry – with the support of the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth – will help establish an alliance between LaSalle and NAFA to form the new university.
Within the alliance, LaSalle and NAFA will remain separate legal entities and distinct colleges offering their own programmes, ensuring their unique heritages continue to be cherished.
However, a new central body will be set up within the alliance, to drive synergies between both colleges and support the awarding of degrees in the name of the new university.
The name of the future university and the location of the central body will be decided later.
"The university will draw on strengths from both colleges and drive synergies between them," Wong explained during the Committee of Supply debate for his ministry.
"For example, students in future can benefit from a more diverse range of offerings, with more opportunities to access cross-institution modules and projects, as well as sharing of learning resources. Faculty can also look forward to more opportunities for joint academic collaborations.
"More importantly, we envisage the university to contribute more to cultural life in Singapore and the region, and offer a stronger value proposition to its students and stakeholders."
MOE has appointed a pro-tem committee to work closely with the two arts institutions, to develop the structure and operating model of the future university of the arts.
Chaired by Ambassador-at-Large Professor Chan Heng Chee, the committee includes representatives from LaSalle, NAFA, academia, government agencies and industry. The committee is expected to complete its work by early 2023.
LaSalle and NAFA saw an intake of about 300 and 130 Singaporean/permanent resident students respectively into their degree programmes for Academic Year 2020.
from straitstimes.com:
Budget debate: All students to have avenues to progress and pursue their interests, says Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - The education system will press on with efforts to help students progress no matter their starting point, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said in Parliament on Wednesday (March 3).
The Ministry of Education, for example, is looking at ways to help Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates upgrade beyond Nitec qualifications, even as it undertakes a comprehensive review of polytechnic and ITE pathways to better prepare students for future jobs.
Speaking during the debate on his ministry's budget, Mr Wong outlined its priorities in the years ahead - equipping students with skills beyond book knowledge; supporting learning through multiple pathways and throughout life; and uplifting and developing students to their fullest potential, regardless of starting point.
He was responding to several MPs including Ms Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) and Mr Patrick Tay (Pioneer), who asked how Singapore's education system can progress in a post-Covid-19 world.
Others like Mr Leon Perera (Aljunied GRC), Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa spoke about the need to develop in students broader real-world skills that go beyond academic abilities.
Mr Wong said the MOE has in recent years made key shifts to dial back on the over-emphasis on academic results and increase flexibility in schools.
Students in some schools are now placed in mixed-form classes with full subject-based banding. This way, students with mixed abilities can be classmates while taking subjects at levels which match their capabilities.
About 30 more secondary schools will implement full subject-based banding next year, joining the initial 28 schools which started last year.
"The implementation of full subject-based banding is not a trivial exercise.
"Significant adjustments are needed - our schools, in the arrangement of classes and timetables; teachers in how they design and teach classes for varying student profiles; and students in their mindsets and attitudes towards learning," said Mr Wong.
The new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scoring system also kicks in this year, with the Primary 6 cohort to be graded using wider scoring bands instead of precise T-scores.
Building on these efforts, the MOE is reviewing post-secondary education pathways to see how it can provide more room for students to pursue their interests, said Mr Wong.
"In particular, we will take steps to enhance our polytechnic and ITE education, to ensure that it remains responsive to the aspirations of our students and the needs of our future economy," he added.
Second Minister for Education, Dr Maliki Osman, is leading a review of polytechnics and the ITEs.
The review will study ways to boost support for disadvantaged students in these institutions, and prepare students who learn better through applied education for future job needs.
For a start, MOE will relook ITE's curricula to allow its students to attain a Higher Nitec qualification within a shorter time, to meet its goal for all ITE graduates to upgrade beyond a Nitec qualification over the course of their careers by 2030.
Currently, around 30 per cent of Nitec graduates do not progress to Higher Nitec courses or other publicly-funded upgrading pathways, said Mr Wong.
"We want to do more to help these students," he added.
For students keen on the arts, a new private university - an alliance between Lasalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) - will award its own degrees in three to four years' time, said Mr Wong.
"It will be a private university, supported by the Government, with Lasalle and Nafa as its two constituent colleges. In other words, both will remain as distinct colleges offering their own programmes," he said.
Mr Wong said reducing inequality and strengthening social mobility has always been a priority, even before Covid-19.
"We have made significant moves over the years to ensure that education continues to be an effective social leveller in Singapore.
"For example, we have invested in quality and affordable pre-school education; we've ensured that those without a conducive home environment can benefit from school-based Student Care Centres and afterschool engagement," added Mr Wong.
Efforts to expand pathways for learning will continue beyond the schooling years, through SkillsFuture, he said.
"In the past, most of us saw education and the workplace as two separate worlds... But this model is no longer relevant today.
"We need a rotational model where work and education and rotated through one's career, and there are multiple entry points for education through life," he added.
Budget debate: All students to have avenues to progress and pursue their interests, says Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - The education system will press on with efforts to help students progress no matter their starting point, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said in Parliament on Wednesday (March 3).
The Ministry of Education, for example, is looking at ways to help Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates upgrade beyond Nitec qualifications, even as it undertakes a comprehensive review of polytechnic and ITE pathways to better prepare students for future jobs.
Speaking during the debate on his ministry's budget, Mr Wong outlined its priorities in the years ahead - equipping students with skills beyond book knowledge; supporting learning through multiple pathways and throughout life; and uplifting and developing students to their fullest potential, regardless of starting point.
He was responding to several MPs including Ms Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) and Mr Patrick Tay (Pioneer), who asked how Singapore's education system can progress in a post-Covid-19 world.
Others like Mr Leon Perera (Aljunied GRC), Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa spoke about the need to develop in students broader real-world skills that go beyond academic abilities.
Mr Wong said the MOE has in recent years made key shifts to dial back on the over-emphasis on academic results and increase flexibility in schools.
Students in some schools are now placed in mixed-form classes with full subject-based banding. This way, students with mixed abilities can be classmates while taking subjects at levels which match their capabilities.
About 30 more secondary schools will implement full subject-based banding next year, joining the initial 28 schools which started last year.
"The implementation of full subject-based banding is not a trivial exercise.
"Significant adjustments are needed - our schools, in the arrangement of classes and timetables; teachers in how they design and teach classes for varying student profiles; and students in their mindsets and attitudes towards learning," said Mr Wong.
The new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scoring system also kicks in this year, with the Primary 6 cohort to be graded using wider scoring bands instead of precise T-scores.
Building on these efforts, the MOE is reviewing post-secondary education pathways to see how it can provide more room for students to pursue their interests, said Mr Wong.
"In particular, we will take steps to enhance our polytechnic and ITE education, to ensure that it remains responsive to the aspirations of our students and the needs of our future economy," he added.
Second Minister for Education, Dr Maliki Osman, is leading a review of polytechnics and the ITEs.
The review will study ways to boost support for disadvantaged students in these institutions, and prepare students who learn better through applied education for future job needs.
For a start, MOE will relook ITE's curricula to allow its students to attain a Higher Nitec qualification within a shorter time, to meet its goal for all ITE graduates to upgrade beyond a Nitec qualification over the course of their careers by 2030.
Currently, around 30 per cent of Nitec graduates do not progress to Higher Nitec courses or other publicly-funded upgrading pathways, said Mr Wong.
"We want to do more to help these students," he added.
For students keen on the arts, a new private university - an alliance between Lasalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) - will award its own degrees in three to four years' time, said Mr Wong.
"It will be a private university, supported by the Government, with Lasalle and Nafa as its two constituent colleges. In other words, both will remain as distinct colleges offering their own programmes," he said.
Mr Wong said reducing inequality and strengthening social mobility has always been a priority, even before Covid-19.
"We have made significant moves over the years to ensure that education continues to be an effective social leveller in Singapore.
"For example, we have invested in quality and affordable pre-school education; we've ensured that those without a conducive home environment can benefit from school-based Student Care Centres and afterschool engagement," added Mr Wong.
Efforts to expand pathways for learning will continue beyond the schooling years, through SkillsFuture, he said.
"In the past, most of us saw education and the workplace as two separate worlds... But this model is no longer relevant today.
"We need a rotational model where work and education and rotated through one's career, and there are multiple entry points for education through life," he added.
from straitstimes.com:
Budget debate: MOE's 4Cs sustainability plan aims to cut school emissions by two-thirds by 2030
SINGAPORE - An Eco-Stewardship Programme will be launched in all schools, from primary to pre-university, under the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Announcing this in Parliament on Thursday (March 4), Education Minister Lawrence Wong said that through the programme, the ministry aims to reduce carbon emissions from schools by at least at two-thirds by the year 2030, in line with the Government's overall Singapore Green Plan 2030.
The programme will be rolled out in four thrusts, which Mr Wong referred to as the "4Cs" - curriculum, campus, culture and community.
In terms of curriculum, sustainability would be refreshed and strengthened with a Singapore perspective.
For instance, topics in the new upper secondary geography syllabus will be organised around the theme of sustainability.
"These learning resources will help students to connect their learning to the actual lived experience in schools, and make the learning more empathetic and engaging," he said.
On campus, Mr Wong said the ministry will improve energy-efficiency through efforts like using LED lights as the main light sources in classrooms and more energy-efficient fans.
"We will progressively enhance the infrastructure of our schools with a range of green features," he said.
Solar panels are being progressively installed on the rooftops of about 130 schools through the SolarNova programme, which Mr Wong said would be extended to cover most schools in the coming decade.
During his visit to Commonwealth Secondary School, he saw the school's in-house habitats, including a rainforest, a stream and a wetland, for students to study and observe, allowing them to develop a better appreciation of nature and biodiversity.
Aside from books and buildings, Mr Wong said that sustainability in schools is also about "instilling the right habits in our students".
Turning to culture, he said that the ministry would inculcate in students habits like reducing energy and food waste.
"We will also help students champion sustainability mindset and practices through leadership opportunities so they can encourage their peers and friends towards more sustainable living," he added.
Mr Wong noted that schools are part of a larger community ecosystem and so, as part of the final thrust, the ministry will work closely with partners to help students take part in community sustainability projects.
He also said that the Education Ministry will work to strengthen students' awareness of future "green jobs". To this end, he said MOE will equip its teachers and school counsellors to build awareness of these future opportunities among students.
Mr Wong concluded by saying that the roll-out of sustainability features will begin with pilots in four schools - Elias Park Primary School, Mee Toh School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Tampines Secondary School.
"We have set ambitious plans for ourselves," said Mr Wong.
"Not just in hard targets in carbon reduction, but equally, if not more importantly, they are about nurturing our young with the values, skills and the know-how to become responsible stewards of the environment."
Budget debate: MOE's 4Cs sustainability plan aims to cut school emissions by two-thirds by 2030
SINGAPORE - An Eco-Stewardship Programme will be launched in all schools, from primary to pre-university, under the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Announcing this in Parliament on Thursday (March 4), Education Minister Lawrence Wong said that through the programme, the ministry aims to reduce carbon emissions from schools by at least at two-thirds by the year 2030, in line with the Government's overall Singapore Green Plan 2030.
The programme will be rolled out in four thrusts, which Mr Wong referred to as the "4Cs" - curriculum, campus, culture and community.
In terms of curriculum, sustainability would be refreshed and strengthened with a Singapore perspective.
For instance, topics in the new upper secondary geography syllabus will be organised around the theme of sustainability.
"These learning resources will help students to connect their learning to the actual lived experience in schools, and make the learning more empathetic and engaging," he said.
On campus, Mr Wong said the ministry will improve energy-efficiency through efforts like using LED lights as the main light sources in classrooms and more energy-efficient fans.
"We will progressively enhance the infrastructure of our schools with a range of green features," he said.
Solar panels are being progressively installed on the rooftops of about 130 schools through the SolarNova programme, which Mr Wong said would be extended to cover most schools in the coming decade.
During his visit to Commonwealth Secondary School, he saw the school's in-house habitats, including a rainforest, a stream and a wetland, for students to study and observe, allowing them to develop a better appreciation of nature and biodiversity.
Aside from books and buildings, Mr Wong said that sustainability in schools is also about "instilling the right habits in our students".
Turning to culture, he said that the ministry would inculcate in students habits like reducing energy and food waste.
"We will also help students champion sustainability mindset and practices through leadership opportunities so they can encourage their peers and friends towards more sustainable living," he added.
Mr Wong noted that schools are part of a larger community ecosystem and so, as part of the final thrust, the ministry will work closely with partners to help students take part in community sustainability projects.
He also said that the Education Ministry will work to strengthen students' awareness of future "green jobs". To this end, he said MOE will equip its teachers and school counsellors to build awareness of these future opportunities among students.
Mr Wong concluded by saying that the roll-out of sustainability features will begin with pilots in four schools - Elias Park Primary School, Mee Toh School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Tampines Secondary School.
"We have set ambitious plans for ourselves," said Mr Wong.
"Not just in hard targets in carbon reduction, but equally, if not more importantly, they are about nurturing our young with the values, skills and the know-how to become responsible stewards of the environment."
from straitstimes.com:
Budget debate: Healthcare subsidies to be revamped so those who need them will get more
SINGAPORE - To ensure that people who need financial help with their medical bills get a larger share of government subsidies, the current schemes will be revamped by mid-2022.
Acute hospitals, which now base subsidies on an individual's income, will switch to using per capita household income (PCHI) instead - the means testing format now used by other public healthcare services.
Explaining the move during the debate on his ministry's expenditure, Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said PCHI "also considers the amount of household support available, and the number of household members that the individual supports".
There will also be just one subsidy range for the two subsidised ward classes - B2 and C - that will range from 50 to 80 per cent.
Today, the subsidy is 50 to 65 per cent in B2 and 65 to 80 per cent in C class.
The change will mean higher subsidies for lower-income patients who opt for B2 class, and lower subsidies for higher-income patients in C class.
Subsidies for day surgery will follow the same format instead of having just one subsidised rate of 65 per cent.
The idea is for the higher subsidy to encourage patients to opt for day surgery rather than staying in hospital, when possible.
"This will increase subsidies for 70 per cent of day surgery bills and encourage day surgeries instead of inpatient admission when appropriate," Dr Koh said.
The ministry has decided to allow patients who opt for private A or B1 class wards to get subsidised follow-up treatment at specialist outpatient clinics (SOC) should they wish to.
In his 20 years of practice, Dr Koh said he has come across subsidised SOC patients who had preferred a private ward because "some preferred air-conditioning and others wanted more privacy."
But patients from these private wards remain as private patients for follow-up treatments.
Said Dr Koh: "The cost of potentially long tail of SOC consultations upon discharge concerned them. For this reason, these patients have sometimes had to forgo their preference, and request for a subsidised ward instead."
With the change, they will be entitled to the subsidy based on their PCHI. Now, about 20 per cent of patients at public hospitals opt for private ward classes.
"With better targeted subsidies at SOCs, we will now allow private patients in the inpatient setting to opt for either subsidised or private SOC for their post-discharge follow up."
However, people with higher PCHI will get less in subsidies at SOCs. The lowest subsidy rate will drop from 50 per cent to 30 per cent for people with PCHI above $6,500.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said this will channel more subsidies to those in greater need.
About 30 per cent of patients are expected pay more at SOCs once the changes are in place in 2022, though for two in three, the increase should be less than $100.
To encourage more people to get the appropriate level of care, the subsidy at community hospitals will more closely reflect the subsidy in an acute hospital. However, it will not be identical.
Now, patients requiring longer-term care such as rehabilitation may resist moving to a community hospital because of the lower subsidy they get there.
Community hospital subsidies now range from 20 to 75 per cent for citizens. It will change to 30 to 80 per cent.
Dr Koh said that with the higher MediShield Life claim limits for community hospitals from this month, the higher subsidy "should make community hospitals more affordable, especially compared to a prolonged hospital stay".
About 95 per cent of patients should benefit from the higher community hospital subsidies.
All these changes "will ensure more targeted use of our healthcare resources, stretch our healthcare dollars, and encourage appropriate care", said Mr Gan.
Budget debate: Healthcare subsidies to be revamped so those who need them will get more
SINGAPORE - To ensure that people who need financial help with their medical bills get a larger share of government subsidies, the current schemes will be revamped by mid-2022.
Acute hospitals, which now base subsidies on an individual's income, will switch to using per capita household income (PCHI) instead - the means testing format now used by other public healthcare services.
Explaining the move during the debate on his ministry's expenditure, Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said PCHI "also considers the amount of household support available, and the number of household members that the individual supports".
There will also be just one subsidy range for the two subsidised ward classes - B2 and C - that will range from 50 to 80 per cent.
Today, the subsidy is 50 to 65 per cent in B2 and 65 to 80 per cent in C class.
The change will mean higher subsidies for lower-income patients who opt for B2 class, and lower subsidies for higher-income patients in C class.
Subsidies for day surgery will follow the same format instead of having just one subsidised rate of 65 per cent.
The idea is for the higher subsidy to encourage patients to opt for day surgery rather than staying in hospital, when possible.
"This will increase subsidies for 70 per cent of day surgery bills and encourage day surgeries instead of inpatient admission when appropriate," Dr Koh said.
The ministry has decided to allow patients who opt for private A or B1 class wards to get subsidised follow-up treatment at specialist outpatient clinics (SOC) should they wish to.
In his 20 years of practice, Dr Koh said he has come across subsidised SOC patients who had preferred a private ward because "some preferred air-conditioning and others wanted more privacy."
But patients from these private wards remain as private patients for follow-up treatments.
Said Dr Koh: "The cost of potentially long tail of SOC consultations upon discharge concerned them. For this reason, these patients have sometimes had to forgo their preference, and request for a subsidised ward instead."
With the change, they will be entitled to the subsidy based on their PCHI. Now, about 20 per cent of patients at public hospitals opt for private ward classes.
"With better targeted subsidies at SOCs, we will now allow private patients in the inpatient setting to opt for either subsidised or private SOC for their post-discharge follow up."
However, people with higher PCHI will get less in subsidies at SOCs. The lowest subsidy rate will drop from 50 per cent to 30 per cent for people with PCHI above $6,500.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said this will channel more subsidies to those in greater need.
About 30 per cent of patients are expected pay more at SOCs once the changes are in place in 2022, though for two in three, the increase should be less than $100.
To encourage more people to get the appropriate level of care, the subsidy at community hospitals will more closely reflect the subsidy in an acute hospital. However, it will not be identical.
Now, patients requiring longer-term care such as rehabilitation may resist moving to a community hospital because of the lower subsidy they get there.
Community hospital subsidies now range from 20 to 75 per cent for citizens. It will change to 30 to 80 per cent.
Dr Koh said that with the higher MediShield Life claim limits for community hospitals from this month, the higher subsidy "should make community hospitals more affordable, especially compared to a prolonged hospital stay".
About 95 per cent of patients should benefit from the higher community hospital subsidies.
All these changes "will ensure more targeted use of our healthcare resources, stretch our healthcare dollars, and encourage appropriate care", said Mr Gan.
from tnp.sg:
International leisure travel not likely this year: Gan Kim Yong
International travel will not revert to normal even after everyone in Singapore has been vaccinated, as travel depends on the global Covid-19 situation, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
When it does resume, it is likely to take place progressively through bilateral arrangements, which could then expand into regional arrangements, he added.
"This is a bit like a circuit breaker," said Mr Gan, who co-chairs the multi-ministerial task force handling the crisis.
"It is not going to be, flip a switch and (it is) free for everybody to travel."
He was responding to a question on whether Singaporeans can expect to travel in the next 12 months during a media conference to mark one year of Singapore's battle with Covid-19.
Education Minister Lawrence Wong, the task force's other co-chair, acknowledged that many people are hoping vaccination will allow them to travel without quarantine restrictions.
But at present, Singapore is still studying the evidence and is not yet ready to change the rules, he said.
In any case, the country is likely to be in "pandemic mode" for the next 12 to 18 months, even if certain safe distancing measures are eased in that time, Mr Wong added.
"Even if the majority of people in Singapore get vaccinated, it is impossible for the world to be vaccinated by this year," he said. "Which means that all around us, there will be countries where the virus may very well still be raging."
He also pointed out the International Air Transport Association has predicted that passenger volumes are not expected to return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2024.
"The whole recovery is not a one-year issue... it is more like a four-year affair before you see some of these industries recovering to where they were before," Mr Wong said.
"So, that is the picture for aviation and travel, and we have to be realistic that this is what it is, and it will have some impact on our own industries, particularly those that are reliant on aviation and tourism."
International leisure travel not likely this year: Gan Kim Yong
International travel will not revert to normal even after everyone in Singapore has been vaccinated, as travel depends on the global Covid-19 situation, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
When it does resume, it is likely to take place progressively through bilateral arrangements, which could then expand into regional arrangements, he added.
"This is a bit like a circuit breaker," said Mr Gan, who co-chairs the multi-ministerial task force handling the crisis.
"It is not going to be, flip a switch and (it is) free for everybody to travel."
He was responding to a question on whether Singaporeans can expect to travel in the next 12 months during a media conference to mark one year of Singapore's battle with Covid-19.
Education Minister Lawrence Wong, the task force's other co-chair, acknowledged that many people are hoping vaccination will allow them to travel without quarantine restrictions.
But at present, Singapore is still studying the evidence and is not yet ready to change the rules, he said.
In any case, the country is likely to be in "pandemic mode" for the next 12 to 18 months, even if certain safe distancing measures are eased in that time, Mr Wong added.
"Even if the majority of people in Singapore get vaccinated, it is impossible for the world to be vaccinated by this year," he said. "Which means that all around us, there will be countries where the virus may very well still be raging."
He also pointed out the International Air Transport Association has predicted that passenger volumes are not expected to return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2024.
"The whole recovery is not a one-year issue... it is more like a four-year affair before you see some of these industries recovering to where they were before," Mr Wong said.
"So, that is the picture for aviation and travel, and we have to be realistic that this is what it is, and it will have some impact on our own industries, particularly those that are reliant on aviation and tourism."
from straitstimes.com:
Education Minister Lawrence Wong urges teachers, school staff to take Covid-19 jab
SINGAPORE - Education Minister Lawrence Wong has called on teachers, principals and other staff in schools to get vaccinated, saying that it is the best way for them to protect themselves and their students against Covid-19.
He made the pitch at the Anglican High School's 65th anniversary celebration on Saturday (March 13), just three days after the national vaccination programme was extended to more than 150,000 people working in educational institutions.
The vaccination drive, which started with seniors, has been sped up after more vaccine supplies arrived in Singapore, and has also been extended to more high-risk groups and essential workers, including teachers.
On including teachers, the Ministry of Health said that the plan is to inoculate those who come into prolonged contact with children and young people as vaccines are not yet certified for those below the age of 16.
For a start, those working in pre-schools, national schools, the Institute of Technical Education and polytechnics will be able to sign up for their jabs.
Some 90 per cent of the teachers and staff at Anglican High School have made appointments so far, said principal Khoo Tse Horng, 54, who is awaiting his own appointment on March 19.
"Our staff are very happy to do it to protect ourselves, our family and also our students, since they are too young and cannot get vaccinated yet," he said.
The school's anniversary celebration was a scaled-down affair in the light of the pandemic, with a total of about 120 students, staff and alumni, as well as special guests, visiting its Upper Changi Road campus throughout Saturday to contribute to a montage made up of recycled reusable masks.
Over the past months, some 1,500 masks of all types were washed and then decorated by students, who penned their wishes for the school.
The masks were assembled into a tapestry that has been entered into the Singapore Book of Records as the largest montage made with face masks, in keeping with the school's tradition of breaking records at its major anniversary celebrations.
Head of department for character and citizenship education Yeow Yong Keng, 43, himself an alumnus of the school, said: "Having to wear a mask has been one of the biggest changes for all of us since Covid struck. The montage shows how we have all experienced this together and helped each other as one community."
Mr Wong said coming together to set a record during this period was "a reflection of the school spirit of teamwork and excellence and how you continue to thrive and excel, even during difficult times".
Around the world, more than 888 million schoolchildren continue to face disruptions to their education due to full and partial school closures, data from UNESCO showed.
Some 168 million children have missed school for almost an entire year due to lockdowns to tamp down the spread of the coronavirus.
This has sparked worries that a whole generation of children may end up with difficulties catching up in school, leading to long-term effects on their job prospect and potential.
Noting this, Mr Wong said: "It is thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of all the teachers and staff who have been able to keep teaching and learning going and keep our students safe during this period."
With Singapore's vaccination programme under way, there is light at the end of the tunnel, said the minister, who jointly chairs the multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
As at March 7, more than 596,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered.
"For us in Singapore, we had to make very difficult adjustments over the past year. We will continue to have to do so for a good part of this year," he said.
"Hopefully, we can get as many people in Singapore vaccinated as soon as possible, and we will be able to relax some of these measures over time."
Education Minister Lawrence Wong urges teachers, school staff to take Covid-19 jab
SINGAPORE - Education Minister Lawrence Wong has called on teachers, principals and other staff in schools to get vaccinated, saying that it is the best way for them to protect themselves and their students against Covid-19.
He made the pitch at the Anglican High School's 65th anniversary celebration on Saturday (March 13), just three days after the national vaccination programme was extended to more than 150,000 people working in educational institutions.
The vaccination drive, which started with seniors, has been sped up after more vaccine supplies arrived in Singapore, and has also been extended to more high-risk groups and essential workers, including teachers.
On including teachers, the Ministry of Health said that the plan is to inoculate those who come into prolonged contact with children and young people as vaccines are not yet certified for those below the age of 16.
For a start, those working in pre-schools, national schools, the Institute of Technical Education and polytechnics will be able to sign up for their jabs.
Some 90 per cent of the teachers and staff at Anglican High School have made appointments so far, said principal Khoo Tse Horng, 54, who is awaiting his own appointment on March 19.
"Our staff are very happy to do it to protect ourselves, our family and also our students, since they are too young and cannot get vaccinated yet," he said.
The school's anniversary celebration was a scaled-down affair in the light of the pandemic, with a total of about 120 students, staff and alumni, as well as special guests, visiting its Upper Changi Road campus throughout Saturday to contribute to a montage made up of recycled reusable masks.
Over the past months, some 1,500 masks of all types were washed and then decorated by students, who penned their wishes for the school.
The masks were assembled into a tapestry that has been entered into the Singapore Book of Records as the largest montage made with face masks, in keeping with the school's tradition of breaking records at its major anniversary celebrations.
Head of department for character and citizenship education Yeow Yong Keng, 43, himself an alumnus of the school, said: "Having to wear a mask has been one of the biggest changes for all of us since Covid struck. The montage shows how we have all experienced this together and helped each other as one community."
Mr Wong said coming together to set a record during this period was "a reflection of the school spirit of teamwork and excellence and how you continue to thrive and excel, even during difficult times".
Around the world, more than 888 million schoolchildren continue to face disruptions to their education due to full and partial school closures, data from UNESCO showed.
Some 168 million children have missed school for almost an entire year due to lockdowns to tamp down the spread of the coronavirus.
This has sparked worries that a whole generation of children may end up with difficulties catching up in school, leading to long-term effects on their job prospect and potential.
Noting this, Mr Wong said: "It is thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of all the teachers and staff who have been able to keep teaching and learning going and keep our students safe during this period."
With Singapore's vaccination programme under way, there is light at the end of the tunnel, said the minister, who jointly chairs the multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
As at March 7, more than 596,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered.
"For us in Singapore, we had to make very difficult adjustments over the past year. We will continue to have to do so for a good part of this year," he said.
"Hopefully, we can get as many people in Singapore vaccinated as soon as possible, and we will be able to relax some of these measures over time."
from msn.com:
Covid-19 vaccine effect on kids being monitored; S’pore aims to vaccinate them in the near future
Singapore – Education Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Sunday (Mar 21) that Singapore is closely monitoring ongoing trials for the safe use of Covid-19 vaccines on children, hoping to certify the vaccines for use on the children in the near future.
In an “AskMeAnything” segment posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Mr Wong answered a few questions from members of the public concerning education, travel and the Covid-19 vaccination initiative.
“At the start of the March holidays, I gave myself some ‘holiday homework’ and invited all of you to #AskMeAnything on my IG (Instagram) stories,” said Mr Wong in the caption of his five-minute video. “Handing in my homework today!” he added.
When asked whether students will take the Covid-19 vaccine eventually, Mr Wong replied, “For now, the vaccines that have been authorised for use against Covid-19 are allowed only for those who are 16 and older.”
“But there are trials that are happening now. We are monitoring the trials. And we hope that before too long, we will be able to certify the use of the vaccines for children in Singapore too.”
More than 150,000 teachers and other staff in educational institutions have been included in the national vaccination programme, according to a straitstimes.com report. The Ministry of Health also announced that it plans to inoculate those who come into prolonged contact with children and young people, given the vaccine has not been certified for those under 16.
During the session, Mr Wong was also asked which role he preferred, being the Minister for Education or Minister for National Development. He responded that he likes both as each one is different but has the same objectives.
One of the most popular questions he received was regarding exams and homework and if they could be scrapped.
“We probably cannot do away completely with homework and tests. When we want to learn something, we always have to push ourselves a bit, work a little bit harder, practise a little bit more and get better at it,” said Mr Wong.
Asked whether the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) would be easier or more difficult as a result of the new grading system, Mr Wong said, “The reason why we are doing this is to tell everyone not to be too obsessed with your PSLE score. There is no need to chase after every last mark.”
Lastly, he was asked if travel would be possible soon. Mr Wong, who is also the co-chair of the multi-ministry task force for Covid-19, said that the answer to this question depends on how successful countries are in keeping the pandemic under control.
“A lot depends on the (Covid-19) situation around the world; also on the vaccination programme that we are presently undertaking,” he said.
“So if all goes well with vaccination, then there is a chance that we may be able to allow for more travel without the quarantine when you come back by the year-end.
“But we have to keep our fingers crossed.”
Covid-19 vaccine effect on kids being monitored; S’pore aims to vaccinate them in the near future
Singapore – Education Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Sunday (Mar 21) that Singapore is closely monitoring ongoing trials for the safe use of Covid-19 vaccines on children, hoping to certify the vaccines for use on the children in the near future.
In an “AskMeAnything” segment posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Mr Wong answered a few questions from members of the public concerning education, travel and the Covid-19 vaccination initiative.
“At the start of the March holidays, I gave myself some ‘holiday homework’ and invited all of you to #AskMeAnything on my IG (Instagram) stories,” said Mr Wong in the caption of his five-minute video. “Handing in my homework today!” he added.
When asked whether students will take the Covid-19 vaccine eventually, Mr Wong replied, “For now, the vaccines that have been authorised for use against Covid-19 are allowed only for those who are 16 and older.”
“But there are trials that are happening now. We are monitoring the trials. And we hope that before too long, we will be able to certify the use of the vaccines for children in Singapore too.”
More than 150,000 teachers and other staff in educational institutions have been included in the national vaccination programme, according to a straitstimes.com report. The Ministry of Health also announced that it plans to inoculate those who come into prolonged contact with children and young people, given the vaccine has not been certified for those under 16.
During the session, Mr Wong was also asked which role he preferred, being the Minister for Education or Minister for National Development. He responded that he likes both as each one is different but has the same objectives.
One of the most popular questions he received was regarding exams and homework and if they could be scrapped.
“We probably cannot do away completely with homework and tests. When we want to learn something, we always have to push ourselves a bit, work a little bit harder, practise a little bit more and get better at it,” said Mr Wong.
Asked whether the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) would be easier or more difficult as a result of the new grading system, Mr Wong said, “The reason why we are doing this is to tell everyone not to be too obsessed with your PSLE score. There is no need to chase after every last mark.”
Lastly, he was asked if travel would be possible soon. Mr Wong, who is also the co-chair of the multi-ministry task force for Covid-19, said that the answer to this question depends on how successful countries are in keeping the pandemic under control.
“A lot depends on the (Covid-19) situation around the world; also on the vaccination programme that we are presently undertaking,” he said.
“So if all goes well with vaccination, then there is a chance that we may be able to allow for more travel without the quarantine when you come back by the year-end.
“But we have to keep our fingers crossed.”
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