17 March 2022
Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore will remove mid-year examinations next year, as part of an overall shift of focus away from academic grades and tests. This will free up about three weeks of curriculum time per level for teachers to use more varied and engaging ways of learning.
According to Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, this policy builds on earlier efforts to give students space to develop their interests, and to focus on their learning rather than on marks.
The removal of mid-year exams will give more space to developing life skills such as dealing with failure and adaptability. These include self-directed learning and developing 21st century competencies like knowledge, skills and values that students will need to thrive in the new economy and interconnected world.