Here’s How MOE Plans To Ensure Returning Students Maintain Social Distance At School

Our Education Minister, Dr Radzi Jidin has just announced that all schools are going to reopen, allowing students to return to physical classes in phases.

But, what would happen to schools that cannot accommodate all their students while adhering to social distancing standards of procedures?

Well, as according to Dr Radzi, the Ministry of Education is ready to implement three different model systems for schools based on space and capacity.

One Session Model

This model will be implemented in schools that have the space to allow all their students to remain as one session while still adhering to social distancing regulations.

Two Session Model

The two session model is for schools that do not have enough space to accommodate all their students during one session while still complying to social distancing. These schools will have to separate their students into two sessions.

The Rotation Model

This model is for schools located in heavily populated areas, in which two sessions are still not enough to accommodate all their students while practicing social distancing. Students whose schools fall into this category will have to take turns attending classes where some students will go to school while others continue to learn from home.

This is to ensure that the students’ safety against the Covid-19 virus is prioritised while students slowly transition back to physical classes.

While praising home-based learning, Dr Radzi also added that despite how much it helped during the Covid-19 lockdowns, it still doesn’t compare to face-to-face learning and interactions.

“If this (home-based learning) continues, students will find it hard to achieve even the bare minimum of mastering a subject. This will affect their interest and motivation towards learning and follow teachings.” he said.

“The relationship between the student and their schools are also affected as they’ve been separated from the school atmosphere for a long period of time. We are confident that students, parents and teachers realise how necessary it is for schools to reopen so that lessons and learning can be carried out safely.”

Meanwhile, lists of schools and their paired model systems will be available next week.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Also read: RTM Staff Wore School Uniforms To Work To Show Support For Students Going Back to School