The SPN21 curriculum recognises the different learning abilities and learning styles of students. It encourages the school to create effective learning environments. The differentiated syllabus of each learning area will consider the students’ ability and capability with the content organised into: core (‘must do’), intermediate (‘should do’), and extended (‘could do’). Teachers are encouraged to make full use of ICT and use a variety of seating arrangements, concrete materials, diagrams and charts,
newspaper clippings and other educational/teaching resources to make lessons more interesting. Practical activities could include the use of educational games, role play, the construction and use of models and experiments to demonstrate concepts. Group discussions are encouraged to promote active students’ participation and interaction.
Schools will be required to conduct a ‘measure of proficiency’ of all students annually with special emphasis on reading/language and mathematics in Year 3 to Year 6. It is recommended that schools provide easy access to high-quality reading materials that includes tutoring and family literacy programmes. The ‘fun, play and learn more’ approach to learning should be adopted. Early intervention through individualised tutoring and reading recovery should be implemented. Classroom management such as setting up of learning corners and spaces, and parental involvement in organizing activities should also be emphasized. At secondary level the main focus will be on enhancing and reinforcing the skills acquired during the primary years of schooling. There will be a move towards a more discipline-based curriculum which among others includes basic pre vocational, work related courses and the development of values and attitudes.
School-based assessment will play an integral part in the proposed new curriculum. Whether it is formative or summative, school and teachers are empowered to conduct quality on-going assessment of pupil learning outcomes. This assessment is used for diagnostic and intervention purposes, and is an integral part of good teaching practices. Information gained can be used as a basis for the planning of teaching sequences, and the breadth and depth of learning units in subsequent lessons. Learning difficulties that pupils have encountered or misconceptions that they may have at an early stage can be identified so that immediate and effective remedial help can be given. Students with special needs will require adaptations and modifications according to their nature of their special needs.