Assessing Current Structure of National School Games to Better Balance Competitive Excellence and Inclusive Participation
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye’s inquiry into balancing competition with inclusive participation in the National School Games and addressing resource disparities among schools. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that NSG formats were refined between 2019 and 2024 to reduce ranking emphasis for younger divisions and introduce similar-ability leagues. He noted that the Ministry of Education resources schools equitably, with performance variations expected due to school autonomy in programming and student profiles. The Minister emphasized that diverse platforms like inter-class games and ActiveSG competitions cater to all skill levels within the broader sports ecosystem. MOE will also partner with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to strengthen these sporting opportunities for students of all interests.
Transcript
27 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the current structure of the National School Games places excessive emphasis on competition and rankings relative to broad-based participation; (b) what assessment the Ministry has made of disparities in sporting performance and resources across schools; and (c) what steps are being taken to address such disparities while ensuring a better balance between competitive excellence and inclusive participation.
Mr Desmond Lee: The sports ecosystem caters to students of different ability levels. Students can pursue their sporting interests and development through a variety of competition platforms – from inter-class games in school, the School Sports Fiesta and competitions organised by ActiveSG and National Sports Associations, to the National School Games (NSG). These platforms offer students varied opportunities to compete, grow and excel in sport.
Between 2019 and 2024, the NSG's competition and event formats were refined at the primary and lower secondary levels to be more developmentally appropriate and to reduce emphasis on rankings. For example, students in the youngest age division no longer compete for divisional championships. For primary and lower secondary students, teams compete against others of similar ability in their respective leagues, thus encouraging broader participation.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) resources schools equitably and gives them the autonomy to shape their programmes based on their student profiles and interests. Some schools may channel more resources to certain sports while others may have other priorities. Differences in sporting performance across schools are to be expected, given the differences in student enrolment and programming priorities at the school level.
MOE will work with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to strengthen various sporting platforms to benefit students across all levels of ability and interest.