Ecosystem of support in schools for student well-being

We thank Ms Li Ya Ting for her suggestions to improve our students' well-being ("Improving students' physical and mental health through co-curricular activities, Aug 5").

Schools are committed to developing our students holistically, including strengthening their resilience and socio-emotional competencies. To this end, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced mental health education lessons as part of the refreshed Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum for all primary to pre-university students.

In these lessons, students learn about healthy mindsets, habits and skills to strengthen their mental well-being and how to be resilient in the face of challenges. Such learning is reinforced beyond the classroom through co-curricular activities, learning journeys, and outdoor adventure learning camps which also contribute to their well-being. Students are taught coping strategies in stressful situations, such as deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, as well as how to recognise signs of distress and seek help when needed.

In schools, there are peer support efforts to encourage students to look out for one another and to seek help from trusted adults like parents, teachers or school counsellors when needed. Teachers are trained to identify signs of distress in students and provide guidance and support, while school counsellors support students who need additional help.

MOE will continue to strengthen the ecosystem of support in schools and work closely with parents and the community to ensure the holistic development and well-being of our students.

Ms Loh Wee Cheng
Divisional Director, Student Development Curriculum Division 1
Ministry of Education

致力打造学校互助生态系统

谨答复《联合早报·交流站》于8月5日刊登的李雅婷读者投函《通过课程辅助活动改善学生身心健康》：

我们感谢李女士为改善学生的福祉所提出的建议。

学校重视学生的全面发展，包括加强他们的韧性和社会与情感能力。为此，教育部为所有小学到大学先修班学生的更新版"品格与公民教育"（Character and Citizenship Education）课程，引入心理健康教育。

在这些课程中，学生学习健康的心态、习惯和技能，以加强他们的心理健康，以及如何在面对挑战时保持韧性。这方面的学习，也通过课程辅助活动、学习之旅，以及户外探险学习营进一步巩固，这也有助于他们的身心健康。学生学习应对压力情况的策略，如深呼吸练习和放松技巧，以及如何识别心理问题，并在需要时寻求帮助。

学校有推行同伴支持项目，鼓励学生相互照顾，并在需要时向父母、教师或学校辅导员等可信赖的成年人寻求帮助。教师接受过培训，能够识别可能有情绪问题的学生，并提供指导和支持，而学校辅导员则为需要额外帮助的学生提供支持。

教育部会继续加强学校的互助生态系统，并与家长和社会紧密合作，确保学生的全面发展和身心健康。

卢炜桢
教育部学生发展课程司(第一司)统筹司长