Offer primary school pupils range of activities early to get rich experiences: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat

It's important for schools to offer primary school pupils a range of activities and programmes early so that they have access to a variety of rich experiences before specialising in a particular area.

Making the point at the opening of the Horizon Primary School in Punggol was Education Minister, Heng Swee Keat, who was welcomed by some 250 children of the school.

The Minister credited the school for laying a strong foundation to instill good values in just three years of starting its operations.

Among them, a good character development programme called I-LEAD which encourages every child to confidently take charge of his own life and care for others.

Parents have also been actively engaged as partners with workshops organised for them in both academic and non-academic areas.

And all these have borne fruit says Mr Heng, as parents in the area are eager to enrol their children into Horizon Primary School:

"In a globalised village, pupils will benefit greatly learning from experts and professionals in our community. Teachers are central to learning in school but a child's education is not complete without the close involvement of parents as well as the imput of other experienced and talented members of society who are willing to share."