Inequalities in Singapore's Education System by Yan Ni Foo https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo AED30B en-us 2017-09-08 15:30:30 UTC 2017-09-10 08:02:49 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Growing.png LIST OF LINKS https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/185918416 Pls proceed to the following links:
Home page:
https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo

Group 1: 
https://padlet.com/socialcontext/eo77v0ekteft

Group 2: 
https://padlet.com/socialcontext/34d2kshxxolv

Group 3: 
https://padlet.com/socialcontext/80kan62l8f0z
]]> 2017-09-08 15:37:24 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/185918416 Allocation of Policies https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/185922381 Group 1:
-Meritocracy
-Streaming

Group 2:
-Alternative Pathways
-Special Education

Group 3:
-SkillsFuture-- Earn & Learn Programme, Dedicated Life-long Learners Unit
-Strengthen Aptitude-based Admissions]]> 2017-09-08 15:45:36 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/185922381 Standardised School System https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129013 Pros/How it alleviates inequality: 
  • Education system no longer differed in breadth and depth depending on which school they were enrolled in (Chinese clan-supported and English missionary schools better funded > higher level of education). 
  • Everyone had equal opportunity to get a good education. 
Cons/Limitations: 
  • The education system had very focused goals (for Singapore’s survival) > did not take consider the different strengths of students. 
  • Those who were more academically inclined had an advantage as opposed to those who were stronger in other areas. 
]]> 2017-09-10 07:55:16 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129013 Bilingual Policy https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129075 Pros/How it alleviates inequality:
  • With English as lingua franca, theoretically students would not be denied certain opportunities because they are unable to speak a certain language. 
  • Students could get into whatever school they wanted, wasn’t restricted by language (i.e. couldn’t get into Chinese school because couldn’t speak Mandarin etc.) 
  • Acts almost like an equaliser (all students need to learn this new language). 
  • Still maintains cultural roots (with Mother Tongue as second language) 
Cons/Limitations: 
  • Those who came from English schools perhaps would still have an edge
]]> 2017-09-10 07:56:28 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129075 Heavily-Subsidised Education https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129137 Pros/How it alleviates inequality: 
  • Affordable education 
  • People are not denied an education because of their financial status
  • Not just the cost of school itself but also the costs that come along with going to school are covered (for those who need it i.e. those under FAS)
Cons/Limitations: 
  • Because the subsidy has to be broad-based, there is a limit as to how much they can subsidise
  • Schemes to help exist but not everyone is aware of them 
  • They are provided the minimum education but still not completely equal > those who are richer get further educational opportunities (tuition, enrichment, overseas education etc.) 
  • The question of tuition > the tuition culture in Singapore breeds inequality as well > those who can afford more tuition might have an unfair edge over those who cannot afford 
  • Sometimes people who actually do need help, cannot get it because they don’t qualify for those schemes (the in-between situation > not ‘poor’ enough to be considered poor, but not affluent enough to comfortably afford education)
]]> 2017-09-10 07:57:44 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129137 Equitable Distribution of Resources https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129217 Pros/How it alleviates inequality: 
  • Quality of education (in terms of facilities and teachers) generally high across schools, and not just affluent schools 
  • Schools that need more help are given the additional manpower etc. as needed in order to ensure all students get a similar educational experience 
Cons/Limitations: 
  • Might not seem equal (though actually although in reality the unequal distribution is to ensure equal opportunities) 
  • Although some schools might get better facilities to remove certain stigmas etc. (e.g. ITE getting state-of-the-art facilities), there are entrenched mindsets that are difficult to remove > work in progress 


]]> 2017-09-10 07:59:12 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129217 Compulsory Education https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129251 Pros/How it alleviates inequality: 
  • Ensures that all Singaporeans are equipped with at least the fundamental/foundational knowledge required to survive 
Cons/Limitations: 
  • Having compulsory education does not deter people from dropping out if they want to > doesn’t tackle the problem at its root 
]]> 2017-09-10 07:59:54 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129251 Emphasis on Preschool Education https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129278 Pros/How it alleviates inequality: 
  • Ensures all students get a good start in their educational journey 
  • No one is left behind even from the very beginning 
]]> 2017-09-10 08:00:38 UTC https://padlet.com/socialcontext/xyqda1yenkqo/wish/186129278