Singapore - Islamic schools in Singapore are planning to become more specialized in a move aimed at raising academic standards and efficiency, news reports said on Saturday. Three of the six full-time schools in the city-state will focus on areas where they have an edge and not provide comprehensive education at both primary and secondary levels.
Instead, one will concentrate only on primary education while the other two will offer only secondary classes, The Straits Times said.
Yaacob Ibrahim, the minister in charge of Muslim Affairs, called the move a "bold and progressive step."
The new system is the outcome of discussions between operators of the madrasahs and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
The three schools affected will be revamped with funds, teachers, administrative systems and management teams under the plan.
The students will be offered more options in their secondary education, Yaacob said. They can choose to specialize in religious studies, academic subjects or a blend of both.
The Malay-Muslim community must adopt "an open, positive attitude toward learning and education," he said.
Singapore‘s predominantly Chinese population contains 14 per cent who are Muslim-Malays.
Source: www.earthtimes.org (27 Oktober 2007)
