Starting with a clean academic slate after PSLE

I AGREE with Education Minister Heng Swee Keat that "the PSLE marks the conclusion of one stage of a child's learning journey and the beginning of another", because once students begin classes in secondary school, they start with a clean academic slate ("Heng: PSLE just one stage of education journey"; yesterday).

Previous accolades chalked up by a child in primary school are no longer used for reference, and getting a low Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) score should not limit the infinite possibilities open to him in secondary school.

I am a case in point. I achieved an aggregate score of only 227 when I took the PSLE in 1996.

Yet I was able to attain multiple leadership positions in Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). This was because I framed my PSLE score as merely an "academic snapshot" of my learning journey at age 12.

Even if one's full potential is not fulfilled during the PSLE, the next levels of education will provide more opportunities for students to shine.

Mr Heng's remarks have increased my confidence in his efforts to convert an education system that used to stress academic achievement into one that focuses on each student's academic journey.

Jeremy Cheong Weng Kee