More equal access if top primary schools are relocated

I share the same views as Mr Deepak Warrier and Mr Pu Liang ("Relocate top primary schools for more equal access: Study"; Monday).

This debate is not new, and it is a fact that most of the top primary schools, such as Raffles Girls' Primary School, Methodist Girls' School and Singapore Chinese Girls' School, are all located in Bukit Timah, one of the most affluent estates in Singapore.

These primary schools should be relocated to the heartland, for more equal access.

Having them in these affluent estates gives the perception that they are meant only for affluent children, since children living outside the 2km radius will not stand a good chance of obtaining a place if their parents or siblings are not already linked to the school.

Having these schools in the heartland also has the advantage of reducing elitism, balancing the class stratification in schools and bringing about greater diversity.

Pupils can learn how to better interact with their peers from different social classes and of diverse family backgrounds.

Vivien Tan (Ms)

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 28, 2016, with the headline More equal access if top primary schools are relocated. Subscribe