Wednesday, April 15, 2009 – A major review of primary education has just been completed, and among the recommendations accepted by the government is to put all Primary 1 and 2 students through a sports and outdoor education programme as part of curriculum time.

Called the Programme for Active Learning, students will be required to go through two to three modules per year in sports and outdoor education, and performing and visual arts. Each module will last eight to ten weeks and take up two hours of curriculum time each week.

The report on the review explains that the rationale of expanding the non-academic component of curriculum time is to help "develop a range of skills, build leadership and character, as well as provide opportunities for pupils to develop confidence and bonds of friendship."

The government will also give each school up to $170,000 per year to hire instructors for PAL, as well as a one-time sum of up to $90,000 for the purchase of equipment.

The review was carried out by a high-level committee chaired by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education.