Singapore Education

Overview

Singapore has few natural resources and human talent remains our most valuable resource. As such, great emphasis is placed on our education system. Over the years, we have developed a world-class education system that produces students with aspirations for high-level achievements.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) administers education in Singapore. In recent years, MOE has been gearing towards a more flexible and diversified education system to provide students with more opportunities towards meeting their varied interests and aptitudes.

In 2003, various Singapore government agencies came together to launch an initiative to promote Singapore as a premier education hub. For more information, please visit Singapore Education.

In Singapore, pre-school education is offered by kindergartens and child care centres. Through a structured 3-year programme, pre-school education prepares young children from the ages of 3 to 6 for the beginning of formal education in primary schools. The programme comprises Nursery, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2.

Children learn through 2 languages, English as their first language and Chinese, Malay or Tamil as their Mother Tongue. The education programme includes the learning of language, simple number and science concepts; development of social, creative and problem-solving skills; appreciation of music; and outdoor play.

Pre-schools are operated privately by community groups, religious bodies and commercial organisations. Although pre-school education is not compulsory, many parents opt to enrol their children in pre-schools so as to better equip them for the years in primary schools.