SINGAPORE: Schools will get more support in developing their own niches of excellence next year.

Schools play an important role in nurturing their students' abilities. Currently, 112 schools are recognised for their special programmes, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) hopes to increase the number to 180 by 2012.

Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who attended a walkabout and dialogue session in Ulu Pandang on Sunday, said that an extra funding of 150 million Singapore dollars over five years will especially benefit the neighbourhood schools.

"That increment of about 65 to 70 schools is really going to come from the neighbourhood schools. It will be a significant plus for them and we want to encourage them to all be well above average in something, which they can be, as we've seen from past experience."

As Mr Tharman pointed out, extra funding is useful because “it means extra instructors, more training for their teachers.”

The education minister said, by helping the schools to develop their own areas of excellence, it also provides a chance for students to discover their strengths as they participate in different activities. And the enhancement to the current schemes will continue to ensure that everyone has access to the best possible education, regardless of his or her background.

Starting next year, the ministry will also enhance the financial assistance scheme offered to students in independent schools.

About 1000 students get half or all their school fees waived at present.

A new bursary is expected to help more students as the gross monthly household income ceiling will be raised from 3750 to 7200 Singapore dollars, benefiting the middle income group.

Those who earn 3751 to 7200 Singapore dollars will qualify for a 33 or 50 per cent subsidy under the new scheme.

"Let's up the subsidies, not just the bottom 20 per cent, but the group above that - the lower middle income group. We feel they deserve a higher subsidy because independent school fees are not very cheap... ranging from 200 to 300 dollars, and over time they could go up further," said Mr Tharman.

MOE is also revising its Edusave Entrance Scholarships Programme for Independent Schools.

From next year, the top one-third of students posted to Secondary One in all independent schools will receive a standard quantum of 2400 Singapore dollars a year, regardless of their family income.

Currently, the amounts awarded vary and are pegged to school fees. - CNA/ac