Lot to learn from Singapore schools: Punjab principals

The Department of School Education had recently sent a batch of 36 principals from various districts of Punjab to Singapore for a seven-day training programme. They plan to share their experience with the higher authorities to bring a positive change in the education system.

From Ludhiana district Manpreet Singh from GSSS Barsal, Sidhwan Bet; Smriti Bhargav, Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Gill; Charanjit Kaur, GMSSS Cemetery Road; Rajesh GSSS Mangat 1; Suman Lata, SOE Samrala; Shalu Chaney GSSS Katani Kalan, Samrala; Puja Trehan SOE Mundian Kalan, Mangat 2, had gone to Singapore for the training.

The principals, however, maintained that “our education system cannot match with that of Singapore and the major reason for was population”. Singapore has 350 schools and just one block of Ludhiana has these many institutions, they added. The principals, wishing not to be named, said “there could be no comparison of Singapore’s education system with ours”.

“There principals in Singapore have all powers and are in direct contact with policy makers. The society or public discusses issues with the principals, including need-based matters. The pros and cons are looked into it, the suggestions are given to the policy makers. Within a month or two, the decisions are implemented unlike those in Punjab or other parts of the country where SCERT decides on everything,” said a principal.

For example, another principal, added there is a course on Beauty and Wellness suggested by the SCERT, but it is not considered “good” in certain areas, which are still backward. There is no need to introduce the course in such areas, but it is there as it is prescribed, the principal added. “In Singapore, the principals have important powers. They prescribe syllabus, as per the need. The teachers can not punish the child physically, but a principal can do so. Here if we try to punish a child, parents gather and hold protest,” said the principal.

They added that the positive aspects of Singapore’s education system can be blended with our education system. However, this cannot be followed blindly due to the several reasons like population, religious diversity, limited resources, less power to the teaching fraternity, long wait for implementation of policies, etc, they added.

The principals returned from Singapore on March 15 with a lot of experience, which they would share with the higher-ups as and when they would be asked to. “We have prepared everything but the department has not called us for feedback. Definitely, we wish to highlight few points which can be introduced in our school education system to bring about transformation,” said principal Charanjit Kaur, while terming it a different and positive learning experience.