In Singapore, the Learning Support Programme (LSP) is an initiative aimed at helping students who require additional assistance to catch up with their academic peers, particularly in the area of English language development. Implemented in primary schools, this programme is structured to provide intensive support for students who may face challenges in keeping up with the regular curriculum, ensuring they are not left behind in their educational journey.
The Structure of LSP: Smaller Classes for Focused Learning
For students enrolled in LSP, the programme offers a tailored approach designed to meet their specific learning needs. Students are typically removed from their regular English classes and placed into smaller groups of 8 to 10 children. This arrangement allows LSP teachers to offer more personalized attention and cater to the individual needs of each student. By working in a smaller group, students are given the opportunity to engage more actively in lessons, which may not be possible in a larger, more traditional classroom setting.
The Focus on Foundational Skills
The key objective of the LSP is to build strong foundational language skills in students, with a particular emphasis on phonics, vocabulary, and reading. These areas are crucial for young learners, as mastering these skills helps to develop their overall language proficiency. By addressing these core competencies early on, LSP helps to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in their academic careers.
Beyond the classroom, LSP students are also required to attend additional “remedial” sessions after school. These one-hour sessions are compulsory and take place once a week, providing further reinforcement of the skills taught during regular LSP classes. This additional support allows students to receive extra practice and continue their learning in a more focused, individualised environment.
The Impact of LSP: Evidence of Progress and Success
The effectiveness of the LSP is seen in the positive results students achieve throughout the programme. Many students who initially struggle to keep up with the regular curriculum find that their academic performance improves significantly after enrolling in LSP. For instance, children who may have faced difficulties in reading or writing at the start of their schooling can catch up with their peers and perform at an expected level by the end of P2 or P3.
One noteworthy example involves a pair of twins who, due to family circumstances, had never attended kindergarten and were unable to read when they entered primary school. Through the LSP, these children were able to receive the focused attention they needed, which helped them catch up with their classmates. By the end of their first year, they were able to rejoin regular English classes and perform well academically. This demonstrates how the LSP can have a transformative effect on a child’s learning, enabling them to overcome academic challenges and thrive.
Not Segregation, but Support: LSP is a Helping Hand
Some may perceive LSP as a form of segregation, but it is important to understand that the programme is not about isolating students from their peers. Instead, it is designed to provide targeted support for students who need extra help. Students are selected for LSP based on their current academic abilities, and the programme helps them to reach the standards expected for their grade level. Once students have achieved the necessary proficiency, they can graduate from the programme and rejoin their regular classes. The smaller class sizes allow for a more efficient learning environment, where each student can receive the attention they need to catch up and succeed.
Moreover, the LSP provides an environment where children who may have been struggling academically are not made to feel “different” or “less capable.” In fact, many students who have attended LSP go on to perform well in the regular curriculum, showing that additional support can make a significant difference in helping students reach their full potential.
The Role of Parents in Supporting LSP Students
While the LSP programme offers invaluable support in the classroom, parents also play a crucial role in their child’s success. Encouraging reading at home, practicing high-frequency word lists, and providing a supportive environment for learning can further enhance the progress children make in LSP. Parents can work in tandem with the LSP teachers to ensure their child receives consistent reinforcement and guidance both at school and at home.
Transitioning Back to Mainstream Classes
One of the key goals of LSP is to help students successfully reintegrate into regular classes once they have gained the necessary skills and confidence. As children make progress in their learning, they are gradually prepared to transition back into mainstream classes. By the end of P1 or P2, students who have successfully caught up with their peers can graduate from LSP and continue their education in a regular classroom setting.
This transition is a positive sign of the programme’s success. It shows that students who may have initially struggled with certain subjects can, with the right support, gain the necessary skills to handle the mainstream curriculum. In this way, LSP not only addresses immediate learning challenges but also ensures that students have the foundation they need for future academic success.
The Learning Support Programme is a vital resource in Singapore’s educational system, helping students who may face difficulties in their academic journey. By providing specialised support in smaller classes, LSP ensures that children receive the attention and guidance they need to succeed. It helps students build the foundational skills required to catch up with their peers and sets them on a path to academic success.
Ultimately, LSP proves that with the right support, all children can overcome their challenges and thrive in their educational environment. The programme emphasises the importance of individual attention and tailored learning, demonstrating how small changes in the learning environment can have a significant impact on a student’s academic development. Through LSP, students are not only given the tools to succeed in their current grade but are also equipped with the skills and confidence to face future academic challenges.
