INCA Education around the world
Singapore : Initial Teacher Training
7.4.1 Control
7.4.2 Types of training courses and institutions
7.4.2.1 Admissions
7.4.3 Trainers
7.4.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
7.4.5 Qualifications and standards
7.4.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement to teach
7.4.5.2 Probationary periods
7.4.6 Post-qualification induction periods
Please note that the initial teacher training sections of the website were originally funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). They have not been updated since March 2009 and the information provided in them may have been superseded.
7.4 Fourth phase, post-compulsory upper secondary education (in schools), ages 16 -18+
7.4.1 Control
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) is responsible for the initial training of teachers. Applications for teaching positions in initial teacher training are handled by the Ministry.72
7.4.2 Types of training courses and institutions
The following courses for the initial training of teachers are available at the National Institute of Education (NIE):
A one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) (for teaching in all levels of schools).
For physical education (PE), a two-year training programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) (PGDE(PE)).
Four-year Teacher Training Diplomas in either Art and Music, Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or Home Economics (for teaching MTL in primary schools, and for teaching Art and Music and Home Economics in secondary schools).72
(Courses that candidates apply for depend on the level of educational qualification they hold.)
7.4.2.1 Admissions
Candidates selected by the Ministry of Education (MOE) are required to undertake their initial teacher training at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Before gaining admission to the NIE, candidates have to pass the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT).72
In addition, to be admitted to teacher training programmes at the NIE, applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements for each programme (see below) and successfully complete an interview at the Ministry of Education. Once accepted, candidates are employed by the Ministry of Education. As such, they are paid a salary, which varies depending on their entry qualifications, to undertake their training at the NIE. This aims to free them from financial worries.76
To gain admission to courses of initial teacher training in the NIE, applicants should possess one of the following entry qualifications:
For the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE):
A university degree. For secondary level teacher trainees, it is preferable for candidates to have majored in two teaching subjects at university. However, candidates may still be considered if they have only one teaching subject. For a subject to be considered a main teaching subject, it must have been studied as a main subject up to Year 3 of a candidate's degree programme. For the second teaching subject, candidates must have studied this at Year 1 level, or at least for two modules in any of the 3 years at university.72
An exception to the two subjects guideline is if candidates wish to teach any of the Mother Tongue Languages (MTLs). In such cases, candidates need to have majored in the respective Mother Tongue Language (MTL). There is no need for a second teaching subject.72
Candidates with degrees in science and humanities subjects, or in mathematics, are strongly encouraged to teach at the secondary school level. Those with general degrees teach at primary school level. If candidates have excellent grades in the General Paper at 'AO' Level, they may teach the English language at secondary level.72
For the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) (PGDE(PE)):
Candidates are required to hold the same qualifications as for the PGDE, and also have to pass a 'Physical Proficiency Test' (PPT) before they can be accepted into the NIE for the PGDE (PE) course.72
For the Teacher Training Diplomas in Art and Music, Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or Home Economics:
5 GCE 'O' Level passes.72
7.4.3 Trainers
Students are guided and assisted towards attaining teaching competencies through systematic observation, assistance and advice, both from cooperating teachers in the schools where they carry out their Practicum (teaching practice) and from NIE supervisors.74
7.4.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
All teacher trainees who are not trained in teaching pedagogy follow training courses at the National Institute of Education (NIE). The following programmes are offered:
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Programme
Officers appointed to the General Education Officer 1 (GEO 1) scale follow the one-year PGDE programme. This includes:
Education studies (concepts and principles of education).
Curriculum studies (methods and techniques of teaching of assigned subjects).
Practicum (teaching practice).
Language enrichment and academic discourse skills.72
More details are available at the NIE Website (http://www.nie.edu.sg/).
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) (PGDE (PE))
The NIE also offers a two-year training programme for teachers teaching physical education (PE) as one of their subjects.72
This programme covers:
- Education studies.
- Curriculum studies in PE.
- Curriculum content in other subjects and PE.
- Academic subjects in PE.
- Practicum (teaching practice).
Language enrichment and academic discourse skills.72
Teacher training candidates wishing to teach PE also have to pass the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) before they can be accepted into the NIE to follow the course.72
Teacher Training Diplomas in Art and Music, Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or Home Economics
Music
The training programme covers:
Years 1 to 3: Principal study, performance skills, percussion ensemble, instrumental teaching, harmony, aural and sight-singing, form and analysis, composition, music and movement, music technology, and music history.72
In addition, music students study pedagogy courses in their fourth year at the NIE to prepare them to teach in secondary schools.72
Art
The training programme covers:
Years 1 to 3: Drawing skills, ceramics, printmaking art, digital photography, desktop publishing, painting, sculpture, Web design, anatomy, and art history.72
In addition, art students study pedagogy courses in their fourth year at the NIE to prepare them to teach in secondary schools.72
Mother Tongue Language (MTL)
The training programme covers:
Core Subjects: General paper (English), higher mother tongue, mother tongue literature, educational theories, teaching methods.72
Enrichment subjects: Information technology, physical training, cultural studies and activities, seminars/workshops/talks, literature, personal effectiveness programme, Practicum (teaching practice).72
Home Economics
During the four-year programme, candidates take courses such as chemistry, textiles, mathematics and statistics, food chemistry and consumer education. In addition, candidates also study pedagogy courses to prepare them to teach in secondary schools.72
7.4.5 Qualifications and standards
7.4.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement to teach
Qualified secondary teachers possess either the PGDE or the Teacher Training Diploma (in Art and Music, Mother Tongue Language (MTL) or Home Economics) depending on the course they have followed at the NIE.72
After graduating from the NIE, newly qualified secondary teachers are posted, by the Ministry of Education (MOE), to a school requiring their area of expertise. They may request to be posted to their alma mater or a school of their choice, but this is subject to approval. The needs of schools take precedence over all else. After teaching for three years in a particular school, teachers may request for a posting to the Ministry's Headquarters or to another school. Posting exercises are held once a year.72
Whilst most teachers are required to teach the subject they are trained in, they may also be asked to teach other subjects if required. It is important for new teachers to be prepared to teach the subjects they are assigned. The principal may, for example, assign them to teach English in addition to their core teaching subjects (e.g. maths and science), provided they are deemed suitable and competent.72
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
Successful candidates for entrance to the PGDE are placed on the General Education Officer 1 (GEO 1) scale. This is the entry grade for teachers whose university degree meets the requirements for appointment. Degree holders who do not meet the Ministry's requirements for appointment on the GEO 1 scale are placed on the GEO 2 scale.72
On graduating from the NIE with a PGDE, newly qualified teachers are required to serve a three-year teaching bond. They may teach at the following levels:
Primary
Secondary
Junior Colleges (graduates with good honours degrees).72
Teacher Training Diplomas in Art and Music, Mother Tongue Language (MTL) and Home Economics
Successful candidates are employed to teach the following subjects at the following levels upon successful completion of their training at the NIE:
Primary level: Mother Tongue Languages (MTL).
Secondary level: Art and Music, Home Economics.72
Upon completion of their NIE training, they serve a five-year teaching bond.72
7.4.5.2 Probationary periods
See section 7.4.6.
7.4.6 Post-qualification induction periods
After their NIE training, newly qualified teachers are employed to teach in a school as a 'beginning teacher'. As such, they are given 80 per cent of their normal responsibility load during their first year of service. The 20 per cent off-loading is to enable them to learn from experienced teachers; co-teach; and acquire on-the-job training. They are mentored and guided throughout by senior teachers and other experienced teachers. Beginning newly qualified teachers work with their mentors and seek their guidance. Teachers benefit by sharing best practice and improving on ideas, materials, techniques, lesson plans and organisational skills.72
