Singapore pupils go back to school on Monday

Singapore’s primary school pupils will return to in-person classes from Monday, as prolonged study at home could hinder students’ wellbeing and academic progress.

The move comes as Covid-19 infections in the city-state continue to hit new highs despite curbs that were reinstated to curb the spread.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said in a Facebook post that home-based learning must “only be a last resort, to be used in a targeted manner”, also citing the challenges for families and educators who need to juggle work and childcare during this period.

The move by the government comes at the tail-end of two weeks of online school classes put in place together with reimposed restrictions that cut group gathering sizes and made work from home the default.

Coronavirus cases continued to climb, though officials said it would take time for the curbs to take effect and reduce pressure on its healthcare system.

With one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, Singapore has started booster jabs for its elderly and said it expected to start inoculating children under age 12 early next year.

“We look forward to vaccinating our schoolchildren soonest possible when the vaccines are approved for use and available to us,” Chan said.

The government acknowledged this week in Parliament that home-based learning could not be a full substitute for the school experience.

However, schools have been using technology to reduce disruption and maintain social connections.

“On a prolonged basis, it comes at a cost not just to students’ learning, but also their socio-emotional development and mental wellbeing. It also imposes a burden to families and society,” according to the response.