Schools Conducting Academic Assessments Immediately after Holidays
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the scheduling of academic assessments immediately following school holidays and the rationale behind students being expected to revise during their vacation periods. Mr Lim Biow Chuan inquired about the number of schools practicing this and how it aligns with the intended purpose of school holidays. Acting Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng explained that schools adopt a student-centric approach to scheduling assessments to gauge learning effectiveness while considering students' specific needs. He noted that examinations after the June holidays are more prevalent in Junior Colleges to allow students sufficient time to consolidate learning following late start dates and participation in major co-curricular events. The Acting Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng emphasized that these decisions aim to help graduating students pace their revision and balance academic requirements with socio-emotional well-being to minimize overall stress.
Transcript
55 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many schools conduct examinations or tests immediately or within two weeks after the school holidays; and (b) what is the rationale for having school holidays if students are expected to study for the tests/examinations during the school holidays.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: Examinations are useful for students to gauge their learning and for teachers to check on the effectiveness of their teaching. Schools adopt a student-centric approach, taking into consideration the profile and needs of the students and the schools’ contexts when scheduling the examinations. The practice of having examinations after the June holidays is more prevalent among the Junior Colleges (JCs) in view of the school year for JC1 students starting in end January or early February. There would be limited time for students to consolidate their learning before the examinations if examinations are held in May. Many of the JC students are also participating in the Singapore Youth Festival for performing arts and National School Games in April and May. The decision to schedule the mid-year examinations for JC students in Term 3 after the June vacation will allow the students to better manage their revision and to ensure they would still have some time during the June vacation to have a break and pursue other recreational and social activities.
Similarly, a small proportion of schools at other levels may also conduct some form of testing after the June holidays for their students in graduating levels, to help them consolidate their learning in June and pace their revision leading up to national examinations.
Our schools are mindful of the need to strike a balance between catering to students' academic and CCA needs, as well as their socio-emotional well-being. The decision to have examinations after the vacation is made after considering the different options available to address their students' overall needs and also to minimise stress.