Despite New Measures, MOE Says Schools & Exams Will Continue But With Tightened SMMs

Just yesterday (14 May 2021), the relevant authorities dropped a hefty truth bomb on us:

In light of the recent spike in cases, they will be reinforcing pandemic-related measures… again.

Lest you’re unaware, the new rules are as follows:

• Reduction in group size from 5 to 2
• Reduction in event numbers
• Working From Home is now the default working scheme
• Masks have to be on even when you’re indoors
• Increased need for testing

They will be kicking in on 16 May 2021.

But here’s the thing; will exams get affected?

After all, exams are often associated with mass gatherings. So it would make sense for one to question the feasibility of exams in circumstances as dire as this one.

And in light of the current circumstances, will exams be called off for the sake of the greater good?

Despite New Measures, MOE Says Schools & Exams Will Continue But With Tightened SMMs

Well, the simple answer’s no.

Much to the absolute chagrin of a handful of students, I’m sure.

According to the one and only Ministry of Education, schools and exams will continue despite the latest onslaught of restrictions.

To circumvent potential safety risks, however, the Ministry will tighten current safe management measures (SMMs) in MOE Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Special Education (SPED) schools, junior colleges, Millennia Institute and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) for the continued safety and well-being of students and staff.

The measures will be implemented from 17 May 2021.

According to the press release, the imposed measures are as follows:

• All students and staff must wear masks, and not face shields, when in school and on campus, unless they are not able to due to special needs or medical conditions
• To reduce intermingling of students, classes will be strictly cohortised, with lectures capped at a maximum of 50 persons. Group size across all activities will be reduced from five to two persons, with SMMs in place
• Social distancing during recess
• Centre-based classes will be conducted online
• All Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) will be reformatted and conducted online
• Other external activities such as external CCAs will remain suspended during this period
• In-person events will be suspended. All large-scale events will continue to be cancelled or postponed, or held virtually, if possible.

To understand why masks have been made compulsory, you might want to watch this video to the end:

Both school-based mid-year assessments and the mid-year GCE O- and A-Level Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Examinations will proceed. Examinations will be held in the classrooms with safe distancing measures.

Examinations will be reformatted and conducted in classrooms with a maximum class size of 50 persons. Where practicable, IHLs will conduct examinations online.

Internships and work attachments will also continue, with students adhering to the prevailing SMMs at the organisations they are attached with.

MOE has since expressed an intent to monitor the situation closely, and work with schools and IHLs to implement additional SMMs where necessary to ensure the well-being of students and staff.

Potential Readjustment

It should be noted that the latest line of measures is merely pre-emptive.

According to reports, the new measures will kick in on Sunday (16 May) and remain in place until 13 June. The authorities will then assess the situation after the two weeks to determine if the measures need to be adjusted further.

So one should be prepared for the situation to go either way by 14 June 2021.

Featured Image: Donal Keane / Shutterstock.com