Students build confidence and communication skills through drama and other activities

We thank Mr Sebastian Tan Gee How for his feedback (Learning drama will help Singaporeans thrive, Jan 13).

The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools recognise the importance of equipping our students with skills and competencies that will serve them well beyond the classroom. This includes strengthening their 21st century competencies across various educational stages, such as communication and collaboration skills, and adaptive and inventive thinking.

Our schools offer many opportunities for students to strengthen these critical skills and build their confidence. All lower-primary pupils participate in the Programme for Active Learning (PAL), which encourages learning beyond the classroom and provides opportunities for them to discover new interests, learn and practise new skills, as well as develop their character. As part of PAL, many primary schools offer a drama module, which helps pupils develop their ability to empathise, collaborate and communicate through immersive role-play experiences.

In primary and secondary schools, oracy is a fundamental component of the English and mother tongue languages curriculum, where students learn to articulate and express their ideas confidently and persuasively.

Students are taught to communicate effectively through participating in discussions, dialogues and debates, as well as delivering formal presentations and speeches. Teachers may also use drama strategies to enhance learning. For example, students may participate in the "hot seat" activity, where they take on the story characters' perspectives and answer questions on the characters' actions and decisions.

At the pre-university level, students undertake project work, through which they learn to work in groups to achieve common goals, communicate effectively and respectfully during discussions, and present their ideas clearly and coherently.

Across different levels, students with an interest in drama may participate in drama co-curricular activity to further develop their skills.

MOE remains committed to the holistic development of our students. We will continue our efforts to support and enhance our students' overall development and future readiness.

Clara Lim-Tan
Director, Arts Education
Ministry of Education