02002

9 May 2002

ANOTHER 29 SCHOOLS TO BE REDEVELOPED UNDER PRIME

1.        The Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME) will redevelop another 29 schools under its fourth phase of implementation. Redevelopment works for the schools will start as soon as the sites are ready and the construction for most schools will complete by Dec 2004. Please see list of schools at Annex A.

2.        PRIME was launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in May 1999. The programme, at an estimated cost of $4.5 billion, aims to redevelop our existing schools to current standards. A total of 166 schools have been involved in the earlier three phases of PRIME. Of these, about 70 schools have been redeveloped as at Jan 2002.

3.        PRIME supports the Ministry's vision on "Thinking Schools, Learning Nation" by ensuring that all schools have a physical environment conducive to teaching and learning. Under the PRIME programme, schools will be fitted with new and upgraded facilities, which include computer laboratories, media resource libraries, IT learning resource rooms, pastoral care rooms and health & fitness rooms. Schools will be networked for access to Internet. Teachers and students can also look forward to bigger classrooms and staff-rooms, and more interaction areas.

4.        The Ministry has also implemented the "School White Area" concept which allows schools to have the flexibility to decide on how, up to 20% of the school's built-up area, can be used. This will better facilitate schools' efforts to build on their strengths and identify niche programmes for their schools. The School White Area concept will benefit new school projects and PRIME schools currently undergoing design development.

5.        For further information, the public can access the PRIME website at http://www1.moe.edu.sg/prime/ or call the MOE Customer Service Hotline at Tel: 6872 2220 (during office hours).

Annex A

LIST OF PRIME PHASE 4 SCHOOLS