Implementation of Additional Breaks between Lessons for Students

27 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many schools have yet to implement the additional breaks between lessons for students; (b) what is the Ministry doing to assess the effectiveness of these breaks; and (c) whether any tweaking is required to get better results.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Ninety-five percent of all schools have implemented the additional break on top of recess. Students who have to stay back in school for afternoon programmes also have lunch breaks reasonably spaced from the recess break.

The remaining 5% of schools have not implemented the meal breaks because their school days end by 1.30pm.

As part of their ongoing review process, schools gather feedback regularly from teachers, students and parents, and make changes to ensure that the additional break is beneficial. For example, based on feedback, some schools play music through the public address system to signal the start of the additional break for the entire school. Examples of healthy snacks are shared during assembly so that students know what they can bring for the additional break.

The Ministry of Education headquarters and schools will continue to monitor the implementation of the snack breaks and ensure that student well-being is taken care of.