Wednesday, November 12, 2008

School with a difference: 500 at open house

WHEN Mr Adam Lua's son Fadrick failed his Secondary 1 exams this year for the second time, he was convinced the boy needed a change of scenery.

Yesterday, father and son attended the open house of Assumption Pathway School, Singapore's second school for less academically inclined students, together with more than 500 others.

Mr Lua, 40, said the school might just be what his son needs to boost his self-confidence and learn job skills.

From January, Assumption Pathway will start taking in students aged 13 to 16 who have failed the PSLE. It will also admit students who have dropped out of secondary schools.

The school replaces Assumption Vocational Institute, the last technical school in Singapore, which focused on subjects like car repair.

Modelled after the two-year-old NorthLight School, Assumption Pathway aims to give students a foundation in the basics and equip them with technical skills. The two schools are part of a push to provide alternative paths to a career.

Yesterday, principal Wee Tat Chuen signed memorandums of understanding with five companies. The partnerships will allow students to go through a 250-hour industrial attachment over four years.

Mr Wee said the school will also emphasise project work and run a residential programme where students will live on campus for two weeks each year. The programme is designed to teach students how to be independent and live with others.

Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, who attended the open house, said: 'These are a group of students who find it difficult to perform academically.

'We have to (run the school) with our eyes open and understand the challenges involved. I think it is a good start. I am confident it will succeed.'

For students and parents, the school represents another route to a career.

Mr Lua, a technician, said: 'I've seen how my son's confidence was hurt in the last two years because he tried but failed his exams each time. At this school, he can learn a skill and learn through a hands-on approach. I hope this will help him to regain his confidence.'

Assumption Vocational Institute Year 1 student Odilia Seraphina Soh, 14, said: 'I'm not good at studying. But through lessons in the school, I've found that I am good at baking and cooking. Maybe I might become a chef.'

The school's $28 million overhaul will be completed in early 2011. Next year, it will have room for 300 students. Capacity will be increased to 700 students when the refurbishment is completed.

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