CDAC reduces tuition curriculum by 30% to give pupils more time to learn through play

The Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is adopting a new approach that will cut the curriculum in its tuition programmes for Primary 1 to 4 pupils by 30 per cent to allow them more time to learn through play.

- Shermaine Ang

For instance, pupils can compete to build a Lego car that moves the fastest down a ramp without breaking apart to learn about speed and aerodynamics.

"By reducing the syllabus by 30 per cent and focusing on key areas, we empower students to take charge of their learning, foster collaboration, and develop essential self-regulation skills through play," CDAC announced at its 32nd annual general meeting at its Tanjong Katong headquarters on June 21.

Play- and activity-based learning has helped 89 Primary 1 to 3 pupils since it was piloted in 2022, and will be expanded to Primary 4 pupils in financial year 2024.

In 2023, CDAC helped 15,300 households, spending a total of $34 million. It gave out more than 11,000 bursaries and more than 11,000 tuition places at its centres and partner schools.

It also supported more than 1,500 households through case management, helping mainly families with school-going children.

The overall expenditure in 2023 was more than that in 2022, when $31.63 million was spent to help 16,600 households.

CDAC executive director Tan Yap Kin said the focus in 2023 was on strengthening support for beneficiaries and providing quality programmes.