This letter is in reply to another letter.

1. We thank Li Shu Ying for her feedback on the number of subjects that primary school teachers teach.
2. Most of the non-mother tongue teachers posted to primary schools are trained to teach multiple subjects at the primary level. As such, it is not uncommon for primary school teachers to teach their students more than two subjects. Schools decide how best to deploy their teachers based on various considerations. In primary schools, one important consideration is that teachers must be able to look after the students more holistically, especially in the lower primary classes. It is important for young children to be able to relate well to at least one teacher in the school. In primary schools, this is usually the form teacher.  Deploying form teachers to teach his or her class two subjects or more will strengthen the interaction and rapport between the teacher and students.
3. Although primary school teachers may teach multiple subjects, they do not have heavier workloads than those who specialise, as effort is taken to ensure that work is evenly balanced within a school.  The Ministry of Education will continue to work with schools towards a good balance, given the unique context of each school. We are also constantly reviewing teachers' workload.
4. All subjects offered in the primary school curriculum are important. They facilitate the total development of our students. Teachers are expected to give due emphasis to the subjects they are deployed to teach. They can use their professional judgement to make adjustments in delivering the curriculum and do so judiciously.

Wong Siew Hoong
Director, Schools Division
Ministry of Education

Lu Cheng Yang
Director, Personnel Division
Ministry of Education