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SINGAPORE: From differentiated training during Physical Education (PE) classes to a modified Standard Obstacle Course - that is what some Junior Colleges have been putting their students through to get them fit for National Service.
Eighteen-year-old Chan Man Yau, a JC2 student at Anderson Junior College (AJC), has improved by leaps and bounds.
He said: "Back in secondary school, we didn't have such training. We just had those mass training as a class, and I didn't really improve. At least I know that when I go into NS, I will not be some guy in a ditch who have issues trying to jump out of it."
What works for students like him is they know what their weaknesses are and are grouped to work on them.
At AJC, over 80 per cent of JC2 boys passed the NAPFA tests, higher than the previous 50 per cent.
Lim Kok Wee, head of department for PE, AJC said: "Some students who have never passed their NAPFA during their secondary school years are beginning to pass their NAPFA, and some even get Gold and Silver when they reach JC2."
Male students at AJC also have to go through a modified Standard Obstacle Course (SOC). This is to teach them the skills they need to clear the SOC during NS.
At Temasek Junior College, PE teachers give students a "self-paced learning package" to help them score in their NAPFA test.
Tan Teck Joo, PE teacher, Temasek Junior College said: "We identified two areas they are particularly weak in, these are standing broad jump and pull up, and students are given this self-paced learning package.
"And there is also a guide on how to master the proper technique for these two areas. For students who make use of this package, 70 per cent of them actually show improvements in their respective items."
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it leaves it up to the schools to decide how best to conduct the PE lessons. And there is no shortage of ideas.
Going by results from the programmes generated by some JCs, the students should be in shape when they leave JC and start National Service.
Meanwhile, the PE teachers are welcoming MOE's move to increase PE time for primary and secondary students by up to one hour per week.
Mr Lim said: "As a JC teacher, I think it will definitely give more opportunities to students to appreciate traditional recreation like sports and outdoor activities."
Mr Tan said: "Many are very sheltered now, they sit in front of their TV sets; they sit in front of their laptops, PCs. So with this additional time, it is another channel, another area for them to really sweat it out."
The teachers are hoping that PE time for JC students will be extended as well.
- CNA/sc
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