Content relating to animal welfare in the Character and Citizenship education syllabus

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Leon Perera, Aljunied GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether he can provide an update on the inclusion of content relating to animal welfare in the Character and Citizenship education syllabus; (b) what have been the findings from the introduction of this teaching element in terms of student engagement and impact; and (c) whether this teaching element makes reference to recent cases of animal cruelty.

Response

1. Animal welfare is incorporated into subjects such as Character and Citizenship Education, Social Studies, and Science. The contexts used to discuss such issues in the classes are regularly refreshed to include contemporary cases.
2. At the primary level, students learn about responsibility and care towards animals, including responsible pet ownership.
3. Students at secondary and pre-university levels learn about making a positive difference to social and environmental issues including animal welfare. Some students have embarked on Values-In-Action Projects that contribute towards animal welfare and even started interest groups to promote animal welfare.