Holistic Development Programs for Children

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Nurturing our pupils – Holistic Development by Teo Chiang Yen
Under the recommendation of Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI) Committee in 2009, Ministry of Education and primary schools had since started their journey on Holistic Development for pupils. Different programs were launched and gradually introduced into the schools. Our class has discussed our views on the programs introduced and how different schools run the programs to nurture our pupils.
Holistic Development programs have different focus. On top of mastery on core subjects like Science, Mathematics and English, we are now moving towards nurturing well- rounded learners. MOE has launched several programs to support the idea. For example Holistic Assessment not only informs the pupils on how well he/she understands the concepts but pupils also receive feedback on their strength and areas of improvement. PAM (PE, Art and Music) not only build the pupils physically but teach them how to express using art, hence “shaping their personal, cultural and social identity” as stated in MOE’s website. PAL (The Programme of Active Learning) enables pupils to discover more about themselves and build their social skills. FTGP (Form Teacher Guidance Period) gives the form teachers more time to build rapport and build the pupils according to individual strength and interest. The new CCE (Character and Citizenship Education) syllabus which was launched to all P1 and P2s encourages our pupils “to reflect on their actions and internalise these values (thought) through specific acts" said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat (Jan 2014). All these programs not just cover the knowledge and skills to be learned in the curriculum, but also look into their chara...

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Constraints faced by the programs. We shared that some teachers felt handicapped with the new change of education system. But situation had improved with trainings and workshops. Another problem faces was the lack of space to run the programs which some schools are still handling creatively. Planning of an idea timetable with perfect venue for all is also very challenging. Teachers are also complaining about unable to finish the curriculum and some of the assessments and feedback process can be time consuming.
Despite the constraints faced, generally, we welcome the Holistic Development Programs as we witness the positive change in our pupils. Pupils are not just trained to take exams but learned soft skills that will help them to be an important asset for the society in their adulthood. We really look forward to the change of the education system.

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