SAP School Singapore: Your Guide to Learning SAP in Singapore

If you’re a parent in Singapore, you may have heard of SAP schools. SAP stands for Special Assistance Plan, a programme designed to cater to academically strong students who excel in both their mother tongue and English. The programme was introduced in Singapore in 1979 and is available only in selected primary and secondary schools.

SAP schools are known for their emphasis on bilingual education and culture. The government provides more funding to promote the learning of mother tongue and culture, making these schools an attractive option for parents who want their children to have a strong foundation in their cultural heritage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at SAP schools in Singapore, their programmes, and what makes them unique.

Key Takeaways

• SAP schools are designed for academically strong students who excel in both their mother tongue and English.
• These schools emphasise bilingual education and culture, with more funding provided for the learning of mother tongue and culture.
• SAP schools are available only in selected primary and secondary schools in Singapore.

Understanding SAP Schools in Singapore

If you’re a parent in Singapore, you may have heard of SAP schools. These schools are part of the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) programme, which was introduced in 1979 by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to promote the learning of Chinese language and culture.

History and Purpose of SAP Schools

The SAP programme was created to preserve and promote Chinese language and culture in Singapore. At the time, there was a concern that the younger generation was losing touch with their heritage. The programme was designed to ensure that students who were strong in their mother tongue had access to quality education that would allow them to excel in both their mother tongue and English.

SAP School Criteria and the Education System

To be eligible for the SAP programme, schools must meet certain criteria set by the MOE. These criteria include having a strong track record in teaching Chinese language and culture, as well as a commitment to bilingual education. SAP schools are typically affiliated with other schools, and students who attend SAP schools can choose to continue their education at these affiliated schools.

SAP schools follow the same curriculum as other schools in Singapore, with the addition of a stronger focus on Chinese language and culture. Students are required to take both English and Mandarin as part of their curriculum, with a greater emphasis on Mandarin in SAP schools.

The Role of Mother Tongue in SAP Schools

Mother tongue is an important part of the SAP programme. Students who attend SAP schools are expected to be proficient in their mother tongue, and are given additional support to help them excel in this area. The programme recognises the importance of mother tongue in preserving cultural identity, and aims to ensure that students are able to communicate effectively in both their mother tongue and English.

In summary, SAP schools in Singapore are part of a programme designed to promote Chinese language and culture. These schools follow the same curriculum as other schools in Singapore, with a greater emphasis on Mandarin and a commitment to bilingual education. Students who attend SAP schools are expected to be proficient in their mother tongue, and are given additional support to help them excel in this area.

Key SAP Schools and Their Programmes

Prominent SAP Primary Schools

If you are looking for a primary school that offers the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) programme, you have several options to choose from. Some of the most prominent SAP primary schools in Singapore include Catholic High School, Maris Stella High School, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, and Nanyang Girls’ High School. These schools are known for their strong emphasis on bilingualism, with a focus on the learning of the Chinese language and culture.

The SAP programme in primary schools is designed for students who are strong in their mother tongue language. The curriculum includes Higher Chinese, which is a more advanced level of Chinese language learning. In addition, these schools offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), which is a programme that is designed for academically gifted students.

Notable SAP Secondary Schools

If you are looking for a secondary school that offers the SAP programme, you have several options to choose from as well. Some of the most notable SAP secondary schools in Singapore include Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Institution, and CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School.

The SAP programme in secondary schools is designed to promote the learning of the Chinese language and culture. In addition, these schools offer an integrated programme that combines secondary and junior college education into a six-year programme. This programme is designed for academically gifted students who wish to pursue advanced learning.

Integrated Programmes and Advanced Learning

If you are interested in pursuing advanced learning, you may want to consider schools that offer integrated programmes. These programmes combine secondary and junior college education into a six-year programme, allowing students to complete their education in a shorter period of time.

In addition, some SAP schools offer advanced learning programmes, such as the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), which is designed for academically gifted students. Admission to these programmes is highly competitive, and students must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

Overall, SAP schools in Singapore offer a unique learning experience that promotes bilingualism and the learning of Chinese language and culture. If you are planning to enrol your child in a Singapore SAP school, it is important to research the schools and their programmes to find the best fit for your child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the criteria for admission into a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school?

To be admitted into a SAP school in Singapore, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The primary criteria for admission into a SAP school is based on the student’s proficiency in their mother tongue language. The MOE requires that students demonstrate a high level of proficiency in their mother tongue language to be considered for admission into a SAP school.

How much are the fees for attending a SAP school in Singapore?

The fees for attending a SAP school in Singapore are similar to those of other public schools in Singapore. The fees vary depending on the type of school and the level of education. However, the MOE provides financial assistance to students from low-income families to help offset the cost of attending a SAP school.

Can students who are not of Chinese ethnicity enrol in SAP schools?

Yes, students who are not of Chinese ethnicity can enrol in SAP schools. The SAP programme is not exclusive to students of Chinese ethnicity. In fact, the programme is open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria set by the MOE.

What distinguishes SAP schools from other schools in Singapore?

SAP schools are unique in that they place a strong emphasis on the teaching of the mother tongue language and culture. The curriculum in SAP schools is designed to help students develop a strong foundation in their mother tongue language while also providing a well-rounded education in other subjects.

Which secondary schools in Singapore are part of the Special Assistance Plan?

There are currently 11 secondary schools in Singapore that are part of the Special Assistance Plan. These schools are:

• Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
• Catholic High School
• CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School
• Dunman High School
• Hwa Chong Institution
• Nanyang Girls’ High School
• Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary)
• River Valley High School
• St. Joseph’s Institution
• Victoria School
• Xinmin Secondary School

What is the significance of the Special Assistance Plan for primary education in Singapore?

The Special Assistance Plan for primary education in Singapore was introduced in 1979 to promote the learning of mother tongue languages and cultures in primary schools. The programme has been successful in helping students develop a strong foundation in their mother tongue language while also providing a well-rounded education in other subjects. Today, there are 15 primary schools in Singapore that are part of the Special Assistance Plan.