SINGAPORE – An art syllabus that covers a wider range of media, topics and themes for deeper engagement and interdisciplinary learning will be introduced to primary school pupils from 2024.
The Primary Art Teaching and Learning Syllabus has been refreshed following feedback from regular engagement with the primary art fraternity.
The new syllabus is in line with the evolving global and education landscapes, and aims to strengthen the development of 21st-century competencies in pupils.
A non-examinable subject in the Primary School Leaving Examination, art education in primary school provides pupils with a strong foundation in art as a way of learning about themselves and the world around them.
Ms Athena Wee, subject head of character and citizenship education at Peiying Primary School, told The Straits Times that the lessons and the “Draw!” core learning experience in the new syllabus reflect the developments and trends in the art and education worlds.
“For example, technological advancements have transformed artistic practices and how students can learn art,” she said.
“In the refreshed syllabus, students are exposed to digital art creation and digital photography.”
The works of local and international artists in the syllabus will be further curated and organised according to themes to allow teachers to engage students in deeper inquiry and learning of specific art concepts. The four themes are “experience and emotions”, “natural world”, “people and places” and “time and space”.
Some of the local artists added to the refreshed syllabus are Tan Zixi, Zulkarnaen Othman, Fyon Cheong and Yip Yew Chong.
Guidance for art teachers and curriculum resources will be co-developed with the National Arts Council, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum, with the aim of developing and honing pupils’ 21st-century competencies and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in a digital world.
Ms Shirley Wee, a senior assistant director and lead specialist in art at the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) arts education branch, was among MOE specialists involved in refreshing the syllabus.
She said the 2024 syllabus places emphasis on drawing as a visual language to enable pupils to express ideas and build confidence.
Pupils from more than 190 primary and special education schools were invited to submit original creations inspired by key local and international artists featured in the revised syllabus.
These works of art will be displayed at the Singapore Youth Festival 2023 Art Exhibition from Tuesday to July 30 at the Stamford Arts Centre.
Correction note: An earlier version of this article said the National Museum of Singapore was one of the organisations that helped co-develop the curriculum resources. MOE has clarified that it was the National Gallery Singapore.
