Kudos to the Ministry of Education (MOE), teachers and students for putting Singapore at the top of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's education ranking ("Singapore tops world's most comprehensive education rankings"; May 14).

We should not rest on our laurels but pay attention to the little things that may interfere with our success. For instance, in most schools, teachers have to complete the syllabus by a certain deadline, depriving them of time to pay attention to weaker students. Perhaps the MOE should review the curriculum and see if too much needs to be covered in too little time.

Many students also spend long hours on co-curricular activities. By the time they get home, they are exhausted.

Students on the whole lack general knowledge. A well-rounded student should be aware of the world around him and be able to communicate eloquently on any issue.

Phua Guan Yuan, 14,
Secondary 2 student