What PSLE students knead

Some primary school pupils are not just swotting up on academic notes ahead of next week's crucial PSLE.

They are learning something hands-on as well - massage.

A school in Woodlands has signed up 60 of its pupils for massage classes to help them relax ahead of the primary School Leaving Examination, which start on Friday.

Madam Ho Sau Peng, principal of Qihua primary School, said: 'We are aware of the tension and stress primary 6 pupils are feeling with the PSLE around the corner. So we picked two classes for this experimental project.'

The school's head of department for pupil well-being, Ms Catherine Manickaratnam, said: 'Their last massage lesson is on the day before the PSLE. Hopefully the massages will help them relax before their exams.'

The school is picking up the entire tab for the course, which costs $10 a head, as it is a pilot programme, she said.

It began the massage classes two weeks ago, making it the first and only school here to try what is internationally known as the Massage In Schools Programme.

Certified programme head instructor and trainer Gloria Wong, 68, sent out brochures to all primary schools a fortnight ago. There is no official form of accreditation yet.

In six 30-minute classes, pupils are taught 15 fingertip and palm massage techniques for the head, neck, shoulders, back and arms. These have quirky names such as 'hairdresser' (circular movements on the head) and 'catgrip' (kneading the back of the neck).

Five other lessons are then spent applying the techniques on a classmate of the same sex that they have been paired up with. The pupils sit in chairs and are fully dressed in their school uniform while their partner massages them.

primary 6 pupil Kyra Shafira Kusuma, 13, said she 'felt ticklish and awkward' at being touched by her friend at first. But now, the massages help her feel more relaxed and she can concentrate better in class, she said.

Her form teacher, Mr Anuar Ismail, 40, noticed that students were more focused and relaxed in class after the massages.

'They are also easier to handle and seem more willing to listen to instructions,' he said.

First started in 2000 in Britain, the international programme, which encourages clothed peer massage and positive touch for children between the ages of four and 12, has been adopted by schools in Australia, Ireland and Scotland.

Ms Wong, who trained in Australia and London, said the strokes are supposed to have a calming effect, making children less aggressive and hyperactive.

Such peer-to-peer massages also help to improve children's concentration and social relationships, she added.

However, Gleneagles consultant psychiatrist Adrian Wang said that although such activities do encourage friendship bonding, guidance and advice should be given to pupils in case they cross physical boundaries unknowingly.

Specialists agree the massages do help children relax, but are sceptical about the ability to reduce aggression in them.

Dr Wang said: 'It has not been scientifically proven.'

Paediatric physiotherapist Sarah Wong suggested addressing the source of aggression and stress, saying: 'It's a short-term remedy and parents should not rely on this and expect it to solve their children's behavioural problems.'

Housewife Roziah Kassim, 49, is all for the massage classes as her 12-year-old son Muhammad Nur Hidayah seems more relaxed after them.

She said her son used to argue and fight in school but has noticeably calmed down recently. She added: 'I can learn from him, too. Then I can massage him at home and help him relax.'