Overseas School Trips Undertaken by MOE Schools Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns an update on overseas school trips undertaken by MOE schools post-COVID-19, as raised by Mr Darryl David. Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing stated that approximately 600 trips are planned for 2023, representing 40% of 2019 levels. To ensure safety, schools conduct risk assessments and recce trips while registering all travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for monitoring. The Ministry of Education and its Travel Consultant provide guidance and emergency support, including medical evacuation, to manage in-country developments. Current protocols include monitoring student health and reminding participants to exercise social responsibility, especially if they become unwell during their travels.
Transcript
77 Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Education (a) whether an update can be provided on the number of overseas school trips planned for and undertaken by MOE schools in 2023; (b) how does this number compare with the pre-COVID-19 data from 2019; and (c) what new measures may be taken for such overseas trips in this post-COVID-19 world.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: There are about 600 overseas school trips planned for 2023. This is about 40% of the number of completed trips in 2019. As of 30 June 2023, 20% of the planned trips have been completed.
The safety and well-being of students and staff have always been a top priority in the planning and management of overseas school trips. Schools undertake risk assessment and conduct staff recce trips to ensure that all aspects of travel are in order. All school trips are e-registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Ministry of Education (MOE) and its appointed Travel Consultant provide timely advice to schools on in-country and regional developments.
During the trips, schools also closely monitor students' health, and timely medical attention is sought when a student becomes unwell. Should an emergency occur overseas, schools will receive support from MOE and its Travel Consultant for medical assistance, and evacuation if necessary.
After the COVID-19 situation eased globally, schools continue to put in place the necessary measures to ensure a safe and meaningful learning experience for all students. These include reminders for students to exercise social responsibility, especially when they feel unwell.