Factors supporting move of Outram secondary school to Sengkang and measures to retain school's heritage

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms He Ting Ru, Sengkang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education with regard to the relocation of Outram Secondary School to Sengkang (a) what were the factors which led to the decision; (b) whether there will still be sufficient school places for students when new housing comes onstream; and (c) whether any consultation took place with stakeholders of the school and members of the community before the decision to relocate was made.

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms He Ting Ru, Sengkang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education as one of Singapore's oldest schools and one of the few Government schools with its own swimming pool, how will the history and heritage of Outram Secondary School be retained in view of the school's relocation to Sengkang.

Response

1. The Ministry of Education (MOE) regularly reviews the demand and supply of school places across Singapore. In these reviews, we consider factors such as the current and projected residential populations and housing development plans.

2. Outram Secondary School (OSS) is currently located in a mature area where demand for secondary school places has been falling. Relocation of OSS to Sengkang will help meet the higher demand for secondary school places in the North-Eastern part of Singapore while preserving the identity of a well-established school. There will be sufficient secondary school places in the Outram area without OSS, even after considering the new housing planned in the area.

3. For the case of OSS, as with other relocations, MOE engaged the school stakeholders at the appropriate juncture, prior to the public announcement.

4. OSS's history will be documented and preserved at a heritage space in the new school building.