AN EXPERIENCE TO CHERISH: Valli Arunachalam, Vijaya Srinivasan and S. Bhavanishankar at the Singapore Tourism Board office. - Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

CHENNAI: Three principals from city schools visited Singapore in July this year. This was part of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) invitation to principals from eight schools from different parts of India. The STB sponsored the trip as part of Singapore Education International Media and Educators Familiarisation Trip. As guests of the STB, the principals S. Bhavanishankar (Chettinad Vidyashram); Valli Arunachalam, (PSBB Senior Secondary School, T. Nagar) and Vijaya Srinivasan, (Lady Andal Venkatasubbarao Higher Secondary, Chetpet) spent four days at Singapore, getting a glimpse of the city-State's education scenario. They also witnessed the inaugural ceremony of the 40th Singapore Youth Festival 06 at the National Stadium on July 1.

"The idea behind organising such a trip is to promote Singapore as a hub for not only culture and tourism, but also for education, and it is interesting to note that the ministry of education functions under the STB," said Mr. Bhavanishankar.

Student exchange

Singapore has plans to promote student/teacher exchange programmes with India to help students visit overseas schools in ASEAN countries. "They show great interest in learning Tamil from us and their plans for exchange programme focuses on this aspect," said Ms. Arunachalam.

Such student/teacher exchange and teacher training programmes between India and Singapore will prove beneficial for everyone involved in the project, she said. The various levels of exchange programmes planned are for the age group of 6-16 and for a duration of three months.

When it comes to school and college education, Singapore offers world-class quality in terms of infrastructure and curriculum, the principals said. "In Singapore, sports is given priority and it is amazing to note that there are three sports persons at school level who are prize winners at the Commonwealth Games," noted Mr. Bhavanishankar.

Co-curricular activities are given priority in Singapore schools and it is compulsory from Class Six onwards.

The theme for the SYF 06 was "Reaching Beyond" and it was inaugurated by the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong.

The SYF showcased best performing arts talents in schools from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

The highlights of the festival included combined school choir, synchronised kaleidoscope, the parade band from participating countries, parade by uniformed groups contingent and aerial display.

"The Suranari band from Thailand was exceptionally good and nearly 50,000 spectators witnessed the event," said Mr. Bhavanishankar. "The Singapore government has extended invitation to Indian students to participate in the SYF 07," said Ms. Arunachalam.

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