Date : 24 Feb 98

LAUNCH OF LEARNING JOURNEYS

The Ministry of Education is launching "Learning Journeys" on 28 Feb 98. Learning journeys are organised by schools as part of a process of active learning to expose pupils to the sights and sounds of different environments outside the classroom. The concept, "Learning Journeys" is to emphasise that every trip out of the school is an important learning experience, essential and integral to the educational process and not a one-off event. A learning journey, well conceived and carefully planned, can maximise the learning experience for our children. On 28 Feb 98, the Minister for Education, RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean will launch "Learning Journeys" at St Andrews Junior College. The focus of the launch will be on "Learning Journeys in National Education".
 

2 During Learning Journeys in National Education, pupils will visit key national institutions. Such visits will enlighten pupils on the role and importance of these institutions in Singapore's development. A good understanding of how these institutions plan and work will also familiarise the pupils with the factors underpinning Singapore's success and the immutable constraints faced by Singapore. With visits to these institutions at various stages of a pupil's school life, the pupils will develop a sense of pride in Singapore and be confident that with ingenuity, determination and hard work, Singapore can still overcome its constraints and prosper.
 

3 Twenty ministries and statutory boards have so far agreed to set aside time, resources and manpower to host regular visits by pupils. The participating institutions are listed in Annex A. At the Launch of Learning Journeys, a preview of a learning journey offered by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Corp Ltd will be conducted. About 500 guests, comprising schools principals and representatives from participating institutions, will be invited to tour the container terminals and the port to get a first hand experience of the learning journey. On the same day, some 1000 pupils will conduct learning journeys in seven key institutions. These seven institutions are listed in Annex B.
 

4 The participation of ministries and statutory boards in "Learning Journeys" will help to make the visits more varied, interesting and educational to the pupils. Their participation reinforces the point that everyone has a role in the education of our young.
 

5 Schools will be able to select the visit programmes offered by the institutions through a central booking system on the Internet. A demonstration of the Central Booking System for Learning Journeys will be conducted during the Launch. During the Launch, MOE will also introduce the National Education Website on the Internet (http://www.moe.edu.sg). The Website will facilitate a better understanding of the National Education effort amongst the agencies involved as well as the public in general.
 

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION