Ensuring Sufficient Sleep for Students

26 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how do schools monitor whether the primary and secondary school students are overloaded with homework which may deprive them of sufficient rest; and (b) how is the Ministry working with schools to encourage students to get sufficient sleep as recommended by the NurtureSG Taskforce.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Every school has put in place a homework policy articulating the objectives of homework and how homework load is regulated. This policy is communicated to parents and students. Schools have implemented processes to monitor and coordinate homework load. One approach commonly used is to designate a homework board in every class that lists all the homework, tests and projects assigned. This helps teachers to be aware of the spread of homework given to the class, so that they can coordinate and adjust the workload and assignment deadlines where appropriate.

To help students understand the importance of having sufficient sleep, primary schools teach good self-management and time management skills through the Form Teacher Guidance Period, and good sleep habits through the Physical Education curriculum. This is also reinforced through the secondary school curriculum.