Forum: Current education system supports both children and parents well
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We thank Ms Ling Seow Jing for her views on the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) ( Why parents can’t help but feel stressed about the PSLE
As parents ourselves, we understand the stress many parents feel about the PSLE. We share their desire to see all children do well and secure places in their preferred schools with their PSLE results. We would like to highlight some aspects of the current education system and the support available.
The Achievement Level system introduced in 2021 was designed to move away from a fine differentiation of grades by assessing students in broader bands based on their own performance, not peer comparison. The PSLE serves as a learning checkpoint rather than a race for marks.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) believes that every child develops uniquely, with different strengths, interests and learning paces. Supporting our children’s holistic development and nurturing their individual interests and talents is our priority.
Some parents and students may feel that this can be done only in certain schools. But this is not true. MOE has invested significantly in infrastructure, curriculum, and teaching quality across all schools. Children will receive the support and education they need, wherever they are placed.
We adopt flexible class sizes based on student needs, ranging from 30 to 40 students in typical classes to just four to six for specialised programmes like dyslexia support. Teachers remain available for individual consultations.
We encourage families to look beyond cut-off points when choosing schools. Consider each school’s values and whether its programmes align with the child’s interests and strengths. As children are all different, we should encourage them to explore various schools that can support them well, rather than focusing anxiously on getting into a particular school.
Most importantly, whenever children feel discouraged, MOE seeks the support of parents to work in close partnership with our teachers to continue to encourage them to develop at their own pace, and to support them in their mental and physical well-being. MOE’s Parent Kit also offers practical tips to help parents navigate through the various education stages. This collaborative approach will go a long way towards bringing out the best in our children. It will help them cope with stress better, especially when they encounter educational milestones.
I am confident that together, we can nurture our children to their fullest potential while making learning meaningful and joyful. Just as our children are the world to us, we are the world to them.
William Lim
Divisional Director, Planning
Ministry of Education
