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Theme: Education
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Vocabulary list
Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
The method and practice of teaching, “Effective pedagogy requires teachers to adapt
1 Pedagogy especially as an academic subject or their methods to suit the learning styles of
theoretical concept. individual students.”
An approach to education that focuses Schools in Singapore place a strong emphasis
on the development of the whole on holistic education, aiming to nurture well-
2 Holistic Education
person, including intellectual, rounded individuals who can contribute
emotional, and social aspects. positively to society.
The practice of grouping students For years, Singapore's streaming system has
based on their academic ability or been a topic of debate, with some arguing that
3 Streaming
aptitude. it may have negative effects on students' self-
esteem and future opportunities.
Full subject-based banding (SBB) – a scheme
An educational approach that allows that has replaced Singapore’s academic
students to take different subjects at streaming system – now, allows students to
4 Subject-based banding
different academic levels based on excel in subjects they are passionate about
their abilities and interests. without being pigeonholed, even if they are at
different academic levels in other subjects.”
The process by which businesses or Globalisation has had a profound impact on
other organisations develop education in Singapore, leading to a greater
5 Globalisation
international influence or start emphasis on preparing students for a
operating on an international scale. globalised workforce.
The ability to use technology,
With the increasing importance of digital
communication tools, and networks to
literacy in today's world, Singapore has
6 Digital Literacy access, manage, integrate, evaluate,
implemented programs to enhance students'
and create information to function in a
digital skills from a young age.
knowledge society.
As part of a new common curriculum for
healthcare professional education, freshmen
joining the National University of Singapore
The subjects comprising a course of
7 Curriculum (NUS) studying dentistry, medicine, nursing and
study in a school or college.
pharmacy will take a common set of modules in
their first two years, alongside their current
individual programmes from August 2023.
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
Education equity A colloquial term for an older person Singapore’s priority in providing education
who uses the internet regularly, equity is reflected in the title of its initiative
particularly for socializing, shopping, “Every School a Good School”, which aims to
or information gathering. ensure that all schools have adequate
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resources to develop customised programs for
their students, raise professional standards for
teachers, and foster partnerships between
schools and communities.
Parental Involvement The participation of parents in their To encourage parental involvement in
children's education, including education, schools in Singapore are recognising
activities such as volunteering, the role of a parent in supporting their
attending meetings, and assisting with children’s learning.
8 homework.
Inclusive education An approach to education that aims to More pre-schools in Singapore have been
accommodate all students, including offering children an inclusive education in
those with disabilities or special needs, response to a growing demand, since the first
in regular classrooms. inclusive pre-school, Kindle Garden, was set up
9 here in 2016.
Critical-thinking The ability to analyse, evaluate, and Technical skills may get you the job, but it is the
synthesise information to form mastery of soft skills such as critical thinking,
reasoned judgments and make innovative problem-solving, effective
informed decisions. collaboration and adaptability that propels an
individual towards success. Hence, the
Singapore education system places a strong
emphasis on developing students' critical
thinking skills, as they are essential for success
10 in the 21st century.
Lifelong learning The concept of continuous learning “Lifelong learning is more than about staying
and skill development throughout relevant for ourselves in a rapidly evolving
one's life, beyond formal education. world and economy - it is also how we can
maximise our potential and continue to make
meaningful and important contributions to our
11 nation through our unique talents and skills.”
Refers to the process of growing older Having strong social-emotional competencies
with dignity, maintaining physical and helps youths develop personal effectiveness
mental well-being. and well-being, build positive relationships, live
Social Emotional out their values, and grow their character,
12 Learning (SEL) thereby improving their performance in school.
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Phrase Meaning Sample Sentence
13 Flexible learning Classroom environments that can be In recent years, the Ministry of Education
spaces easily reconfigured to accommodate (MOE) has made additional funds available for
different teaching and learning styles. schools to enhance the functionality of learning
spaces, giving them opportunities to create
flexible learning spaces for students to practise
the 21 century competencies.
Cultural exchange Programs that allow students to Cultural exchange programs are an important
programs experience and learn about different part of education in Singapore, as they help
cultures through activities such as students develop a global perspective
student exchanges and cultural
14 immersion trips.
“In Singapore, we are still at an early stage of
Education tailored to meet the needs special education. It’s a taboo subject for many
Special Needs of students with physical, mental, caregivers, and there is a lot of stigma,
15 Education emotional, or behavioural disabilities. resistance and denial.
Outdoor education Educational activities conducted in Singapore has been expanding its outdoor
outdoor settings, often aimed at education programs, inspired by the practices
promoting environmental awareness of education systems in countries like Australia
16 and personal development and Canada.
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Interesting facts, Current Affairs & General Knowledge
Outdoor Education
Students to enjoy better outdoor experiences with three new campsites to be built by 2032
SINGAPORE – Primary and secondary school students will be able to level up their outdoor education from
2032 at three new campsites offering better outdoor facilities and activities, replacing seven campsites that
will be closed out of the current eight.
Two of the new sites, Outdoor Adventure Learning Centres (OALCs) at Mandai and Sembawang, will have
access to nearby nature reserves and waterways like reservoirs and beaches, which will offer students richer
outdoor experiences such as expeditions designed to deepen their understanding of nature.
“This will enhance the capacity and quality of outdoor education, which contributes significantly to the
holistic development of students,” the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Feb 23.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/students-to-enjoy-better-outdoor-experiences-with-three-new-
campsites-to-be-built-by-2032
Change in National Examinations
Secondary 4 and 5 students to sit for English, mother tongue exams in September from 2027
SINGAPORE: From 2027, Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students will sit for their final English and mother
tongue examinations in September, and other subjects in October to November.
This means there will be just one sitting for the mother tongue exam instead of up to two sittings for current
O-Level students, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Friday (Mar 1).
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/secondary-4-students-exams-english-mother-tongue-2027-
4163561
Technology and Learning (EdTech)
“Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030
To harness the transformative potential of technology in education, MOE has launched the “Transforming
Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 or “EdTech Masterplan 2030” for short, which outlines
how schools can better leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning.
The EdTech Masterplan 2030 builds on the previous 2020 EdTech Plan and ICT Masterplans, and addresses
the opportunities and challenges of the post-COVID landscape, where technology has become a critical
enabler of learning.
https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/educational-technology-journey/edtech-masterplan
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Commentary: Mental health education - what more can we do for our children?
Amid growing concern over youth mental health, schools have been taking steps to increase awareness and
support.
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Mental health lessons were introduced as part of a refreshed Character and Citizenship Education (CCE)
curriculum to all lower secondary students in 2021. This is being progressively rolled out to the rest of the
primary, secondary and pre-university levels this year.
All schools have also established peer support structures since 2022, according to the Ministry of Education
(MOE).
As much as I am heartened by this systemic policy shift having urged strongly in Parliament as well as in a
TODAY commentary in 2019 for mandatory mental health education, I am also concerned that we are merely
playing catch-up with these initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic and an increasingly uncertain world have
magnified pre-existing mental health issues and introduced new ones.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/youth-mental-health-education-moe-school-cce-
wellness-3604726
Special Needs Education (SEN)
The Big Read: Special needs education has come a long way but true inclusiveness still a work in
progress
• Industry experts said that the special needs education sector has improved over the years, with more
resources and professional teachers
• There are also greater efforts to promote inclusivity between mainstream children and those with
special needs through various activities
• However, industry experts acknowledged that there is some way to go before Singapore becomes truly
inclusive, where mainstream and special needs students study side-by-side
• On the whole, experts and parents agreed on the need for greater awareness and acceptance of
special needs persons, which they said will open up more career pathways for children
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/special-needs-education-inclusiveness-work-progress-big-
read-3405306
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
Forum: Good time management and supportive environment will let students handle stress better
After a gruelling day of deciphering intricate formulas and tackling lengthy questions, students often
welcome some “me time”. That is when they turn to co-curricular activities (CCAs), designed to cater to their
interests and to alleviate the academic pressure they face.
However, when students stay back in school regularly for extended training sessions to excel in their CCA,
they risk getting burned out.Juggling the demanding requirements of academics and co-curricular pursuits
can take a physical and mental toll on a student’s health, highlighting the importance of maintaining a
sustainable balance between the two.
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-good-time-management-and-supportive-
environment-will-let-students-handle-stress-better
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Past Year O level Oral Questions
Year Question
2023 Video: A Students doing group science practical
Planned Response
(a) Would you and your friends do hands-on activities such as the one shown in
the video?
Spoken Interaction
(b) What are the advantages or disadvantages of studying in a group?
(c) Academic grades are less important than what you learn in school? Do you
agree?
Video: Scenes of various human-like robots fulfilling many human roles eg singing,
drawing, playing by clapping its hands with a woman’s and presenting a bouquet
to a child.
Planned Response
(a) Has the video changed your opinion of robots? Why or why not?
Spoken Interaction
(b) Do you think robots can replace the role of teachers? Why or why not?
(c) How far do you agree with the view that technology has greatly improved the
teaching and learning in schools? Why?
Video: A scene of 2 primary school boys playing table-tennis skilfully.
Planned Response
(a) Do you think training has taken the fun out of playing table-tennis for the two
boys? Why or why not?
Spoken Interaction
(b) Do you think it is beneficial to play competitive sports? Why or why not?
(c) We place too much emphasis on academic achievements compared to
developing sports talents. What are your views?
2019 Spoken Interaction
b) Tell me about the different ways you use technology for your studies at
school or at home.
c) It has been said that in the future we will not need schools because all learning
will take place online. Do you agree?
Spoken Interaction
Do you agree it is important for students to have the experience of volunteering
and taking part in projects? Why, or why not?
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
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Spoken Interaction
Some people think that students do not need a long vacation from school and
should have shorter breaks. What is your view?
2018 Spoken Interaction
(b) Which school subject do you find exciting and why?
(c) How far do you agree with the view that science is the most important subject
for students to study?
Spoken Interaction
How far do you agree with the view that students should focus on their main school
subjects and should not take courses outside school?
2017 Spoken Interaction
Some people say that secondary school students should concentrate on school
work and not spend time learning other things like how to dance. What do you
think?
Dunman Secondary School Oral Resource Booklet_Theme: Education
