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Singapore Sports School

The Singapore Sports School (SSS) was officially declared opened on 2 April 2004 with a pioneer batch of 141 students. It is operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Community Development (MCDS), in response to a call for students' excellence in both the academic and sporting fields. Thus, a paramount aim of the sports school is to groom Singapore's future world and international sporting champions. The school offers its talented student athletes a flexible academic programme in conjunction with its world-class sports training programme.

Background 
The idea of a sports school was first mooted with the creation of the Ministry of Community Development and Sports in 2000. Work on the sports school began in November 2002, and was completed within 14 months. Its aim is to nurture talents in these eight areas: athletics, badminton, bowling, football, netball, sailing, swimming and table tennis.

2003 saw the introduction and promotion of the Sports School to the public. On 14 February 2003, it launched its staff recruitment drive seeking key coaching and sports science staff for its eight sports academies. The recruitment drive resulted in attracting some of the best and talented names in the local and international sporting scene.

On 2 August 2003, a three hour presentation, called "The Making of Champions" was held at the Singapore Expo showcasing the Sports School's programme to the public, specifically to Primary 4 to Secondary 1 pupils and their parents. It highlighted the School's aims, curriculum, balanced programme, facilities, and credentials of its staff. 3,000 people attended the presentation, at the end of which, 800 signed up for its selection trials.

The tough and competitive selection trials were then held from August to September at various venues. For instance, of the 135 children who went for swimming trials, only 24 were chosen. Soccer, and track and field trials were attended by 300 children respectively, while netball, table tennis and badminton selections saw about 100 children competing.

In October 2003, a three day Orientation Camp was held for the students to familiarise the students with each other and participate in team-building activities and games.

In December 2003, it was announced that 150 students were successful in gaining entry based on their selection trials and PSLE results. Of that number, the final intake of its pioneer batch is, 141 students.

On 5 January 2004, students of the SSS began their first day.

Description
Admission Criteria
The school admits between 100-150 students after they have attended its annual selection trials which consists of a series of tests to assess their technical skills, fitness and potential for further development of their talent. In addition, written psychological tests are conducted to assess their mental strength and aptitude.

Following the selection trials, students must obtain PSLE examination results that enable them to qualify for the School's express stream programme. Students who qualify for the Normal (Academic) stream will be considered for a place in the school on a case-by-case basis.

Upon admission, students are expected to pay up to S$6000 in annual fees, and to stay in the boarding school from Sunday nights to Friday evenings during the school semester.

Students who find that they are unable to cope with the programme for valid reasons, are permitted to opt out at any point, and return to a mainstream school.

School Facilities
Built at a cost of S$75 million, the 7 ha boarding school is located Woodlands Drive 15, near the junction of Seletar Expressway and Woodlands Avenue 2. It has classrooms catering to classes of 20 to 25 students, libraries, science and music labs, specialised home rooms and three residential blocks for students and staff. Its impressive sporting facilities include two all-weather Olympic-sized swimming pools, a 700 seater indoor multi-sports auditorium, a ten-court badminton training centre, a table tennis centre which can accommodate up to 32 tables, an 8 lane 400 m synthetic rubber running track, a synthetic soccer field, a two storeyed gym and strength and conditioning centre.

School Curriculum
The Singapore Sports School follows the same academic syllabus as the local mainstream schools, thus preparing its students for the O level examinations at the end of four to five years. In order to enable the student athletes to meet the rigorous local and overseas training and competition requirements, the School has implemented a modular system of education. Online learning resources and lesson compact discs are provided for students to access when they are training or competing overseas, thus enabling them to keep up with their academic work while away. Students are given two hours of supervised study time every night for them to revise their weaker subjects and topics. In addition, there are development and enrichment programmes for students to acquire entrepreneurship, leadership and public speaking skills, and appreciation of the arts, music and life sciences. Students will be taught weekly lessons on sports science so that they can apply its principles in training and competition.

A typical school day begins at 6:00 am when students wake up, followed by training sessions and lessons spread out over the rest of the day. Students even get an afternoon nap!

Staff
The School's staff is a combination of academic as well as coaching professionals. It is led by Moo Soo Chong, a former principal of Anglican High for 18 years. He is assisted by Chua Choon Seng, Director of Corporate services, and Irwin Seet (Dr), Director of Sports.

Each of its eight sports academy is headed by a General Manager (GM) and a Head Coach. Its Academy General Managers are derived from former teachers who are also sportsmen. For instance, its soccer GM, Varantha Rajan, was former Head of Physical Education at Sengkang Secondary, who is also the U-15 (under-fifteen) Combined Schools coach.

The school is also supported by sports scientists who will impart sports science principles in training and competition, monitor nutritional needs of the students, and provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.



Author
Nureza Ahmad



References
Chia, H. K. (2003, August 7). So many applicants, so few places. The Straits Times, Sports: What's in.

Davie, S. (2003, November 18). Back-up plan for sports school kids. The Straits Times, Prime news.

Davie, S. (2003, December 4). Sports school makes it its business to hone skills. The Straits Times, Singapore.

Josoeb, I. (2004, January 11). Is this school or what? The Straits Times. 

Low, J. (2003, September 13). You're in, Sports School tells 150. The Straits Times, Sports: Whats in.

Sivakkumaran, G. (2003, August 3). Sports school off to a flying start. The Straits Times, Prime news. 

Sports school launches recruitment drive. (2003, February 14). The Straits Times, Singapore. 

Sports school to unveil plans for students. (2003, July 19). The Straits Times, Sports: Whats in.

Ministry of Information and The Arts. (2002, March 18). Speech by Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister for Community Development and Sports at the unveiling of the Sports School model on Monday, 18 March 2002, at 10.30 am at the Woodlands Civic Centre. Retrieved May 3, 2004, from  stars.nhb.gov.sg/data/pdfdoc/2002031803.htm

Singapore Sports School. (2004). About us. Retrieved March 3, 2004, from sportsschool.edu.sg/legal/sss/aboutUs.htm 



The information in this article is valid as at 2004 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Recreation>>Sports
Politics and Government>>Education
Physical education and training-- Singapore
Education>>Special education