Education in Singapore

The education system in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education http://www.moe.edu.sg/ (MOE) which directs the formulation and implementation of education policies. It controls the development and administration of public education institutions which receive governmental funding, but also plays a advisory/supervisory role with respect to private schools.

Related Topics:
Singapore - Ministry of Education

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Children with disabilities are educated in special education (SPED) schools run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO) http://www1.moe.edu.sg/specialeducation/welfare.htm, and partially funded by MOE.

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In January 2003 the legislature passed the Compulsory Education Act, which codified compulsory elementary or primary education for children of schooling age, and made it a criminal offense if parents fail to enroll their children in an elementary school and ensure their regular attendance.

Related Topics:
January - 2003

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In Singapore, English is not only the first language, but also the language of instruction in subjects like mathematics, science (physics, chemistry, and biology), etc. wherever appropriate. As envisioned by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, English is the language that connects Singaporeans of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and that links Singapore to the rest of the world. The native languages — Chinese for Chinese Singaporeans; Malay for the Malays; Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu for the Indians, on the other hand is cultural and for a sense of identity, and no ethnic group is forced to learn the language of another.

Related Topics:
Lee Kuan Yew - Chinese - Chinese Singaporeans - Malay - Malay - Tamil - Bengali - Gujarati - Hindi - Punjabi - Urdu

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Singapore's expenditure on education is about 4% of its GDP is not particularly high compared to most OECD countries.

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