As the June school holidays begin, enrichment centres across Singapore are seeing a significant uptick in enrolments. Parents are increasingly turning to holiday classes as alternatives to travel, citing tighter budgets, limited leave days, and the desire to give their children meaningful learning experiences.
This growing interest extends beyond primary school children, with even preschoolers now participating in structured programmes such as robotics, coding, and public speaking. The rising popularity reflects both a shift in parental priorities and a broader trend towards holistic child development.
Enrichment Programmes Gain Popularity Amid Budget Constraints
Several education providers in Singapore have reported more than double the number of sign-ups compared to the same period last year. One such example is School of Robotics, which operates centres in Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Timah. According to CEO Stephen Zhuo, enrolments have more than tripled this June.
He attributes the surge in demand to a combination of factors including budget limitations, travel fatigue, and a growing parental preference for educational activities that align with the realities of a technology-driven world.
“Most parents don’t travel for more than two weeks during the school break due to leave and cost constraints,” Zhuo explained. “So, during the remaining time, they want their children engaged in something meaningful. Technology-based courses like robotics and coding are often their top choice.”
Children Choose Learning That Matches Their Interests
Interestingly, it’s not just parents who are enthusiastic. Some students attending these classes have expressed genuine excitement about learning new skills over the holidays. For instance, primary school student Woo Yu Heng shared that robotics is a personal hobby, saying, “I actually asked to join. It’s something I enjoy.”
However, Woo also acknowledged that juggling multiple enrichment classes can be tiring, especially when added to an already packed schedule of tuition and academic commitments.
Preschoolers Join the Enrichment Wave
While older students are no strangers to holiday programmes, younger children are quickly catching up. Kids Peak Learning Hub, which specialises in programmes for preschool-aged children, has seen a remarkable rise in enrolment. Close to 500 children aged between three and six have signed up for robotics and public speaking classes this June—double the number from last year.
According to director Leong Pik Yin, there’s been growing interest among preschools themselves to offer these courses as value-added services. “We bring our enrichment programmes into preschool settings during school hours, so parents don’t have to ferry their kids around over the weekends,” she said. “Our goal is for children to have fun while learning something new.”
Enrichment Seen as Part of Holistic Development
Experts note that the increasing interest in enrichment classes reflects a wider educational trend. Dr Jason Tan, Associate Professor of Policy, Curriculum, and Leadership at the National Institute of Education, pointed out that enrichment programmes offer more than just academic benefits.
“These classes promise to be fun and enriching while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and social skills like teamwork,” said Dr Tan. “They contribute to what we call holistic development, which the Ministry of Education has been strongly advocating for over the past few decades.”
He emphasized that education today isn’t just about core academic subjects like maths or language. “There’s a broader landscape of valuable learning experiences out there. Enrichment suggests we’re adding something positive to traditional schooling.”
Striking a Balance: Enrichment Without the Pressure
Despite the benefits, Dr Tan also cautioned against overloading children, especially at a young age. “There’s a natural anxiety among some parents to ensure their children remain competitive, particularly during the formative preschool years,” he said.
However, he stressed that enrichment should enhance—not hinder—a child’s educational journey. “It’s important that these activities don’t become additional sources of stress. True enrichment increases the joy and quality of learning, not the pressure.”
Looking Ahead: How Parents Can Choose the Right Holiday Classes
As demand continues to rise, parents are encouraged to select programmes that match their child’s interests and temperament. Whether it’s public speaking, robotics, art, or music, the best enrichment activities are those that blend fun with personal growth.
With holiday travel taking a backseat for many families this year, enrichment classes have become the new go-to for purposeful and enjoyable school breaks. From preschoolers to teens, more students are now spending their holidays not just relaxing, but learning something new.
