WebQuest Report: Compulsory Education

1. What are the governmental ministry and agencies that oversee the policy?

Background: The Compulsory Education Policy in Singapore

According to the Compulsory Education Act, a child of 'compulsory school age' is one who is above the age of 6 years and who has not yet attained the age of 15 years.

A child of compulsory school age born after 1st January 1996, and who is citizen of Singapore residing in Singapore, has to attend a national primary school as a pupil regularly, unless he/she has been exempted from compulsory education, e.g. a child with special needs, a child attending a designated school, a child receiving home-schooling.

The Compulsory Education Act (Cap 51) provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Compulsory Education Board to carry out the duties.

2. Who are the direct parties involved in the transaction? Are there any indirect (external) parties that are involved or affected by the transaction?

The direct parties involved includes and primary and secondary schools/institutes (which forms the suppliers) and all Singapore Citizen children born between 2nd January 1996 and 1st January 1997 who are residing in Singapore as well as the Singapore Citizens children that are residing overseas, whom are required to sent their personal particulars and address of overseas school he/she is or will be attending (forming the consumers). Government intervention is in the form of Compulsory Education Board.

Yes. Indirect parties affected may include the workforce, as this Act would mean that the number of students whom graduate to move on to secondary and tertiary education is relatively constant, thus these students in batches attains a higher level of education on average as compared to years prior to the implementation of this Act.Hence,increasing competition for the limited jobs available on the market especially those of knowledge-based industries(R&D) which requires people with higher educational certificates.

Also, an increasing pressure on the market to create greater number of jobs for these graduates results. The Publishers of school textbooks are also affected, as compulsory primary education would mean compulsory purchase of textbooks.

3. Are there any other supporters or critics of the policy? Examine their views.

There are supporters of the Compulsory Education policy. They agree because education is indeed very important to one's livelihood. Literacy is the basic requirement if one wants a proper job. This policy also shows the development of Singapore. The young generation is the country's pillar in time to come. They need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be productive citizens in a knowledge-based economy which Singapore is progressing or has progressed into.

There are no critics of this policy. There are only benefits to the young generation. Nevertheless, MOE has also considered exemptions. Those who attend designated schools, or home schooling or children with special needs are excluded from this policy. However, for the students from designated schools and home schooling , they still have to take PSLE but at their own pace within the age of 11 and 15.

4. Do you think that the good or service is being under or over produced/consumed?

I feel that compulsory education, since being implemented in 2003, has seen a huge success as all the children in Singapore will have a basic education. This ensures that their job opportunities are much better off compared to people without even basic education. I feel that this system is not being over/under produced/consumed but, is adequately produced/consumed. This is because there has not been any significant externality present on any person yet. There appears to be much to gain from this scheme as people are able to keep up with the ever-evolving society. And, armed with a basic education, they have more room for competition compared to those without any education at all.

5. Do you agree with the Singapore government’s policy in addressing the issue?

The policy of compulsory education has two objectives.

First, to give our children a common core of knowledge which will provide a strong foundation for further education and training that will prepare them for a knowledge based economy. With the paper chase still predominantly existing in our education system, qualifications is a must-have in today's society. And in order to receive higher education and training then the fundamentals have to be in place first!

Second, to give our children a common educational experience which will help to build national identity and cohesion.We are now living in a multi-racial society and conflicts between races are inevitable. Look at what happened during the 1960s' racial riots and racial segregation in the country then. So in order for the nation to progress to higher standards as a nation, compulosry education is compulsory, especially at a tender age, as to increase the interaction between others of different races and religion. This would then expose us to the different types of culture and customaries, allowing us to accept others for who they are.

Credits: Carine Tan, Ringo Hong, Chua Yun Yu and Wong Zhi Ying