Forum: Let us kids learn without feeling like PSLE decides everything

I read the recent commentary “Scrap PSLE? Let’s pause and think before another big education reform” (Nov 26) with my mum.

I would like to share what preparing for the PSLE feels like from a child’s point of view. 

I will be sitting the exam next year. Primary 5 has been the hardest year of my life so far. People say exam pressure can help build discipline or resilience, but the PSLE is so big that the stress can be too much. Sometimes, it even makes me physically ill. 

I’m lucky because my mum encourages me in my interests and doesn’t pressure me. Still, many children start having worrying thoughts like, “I’m not good enough”, “I’m a disappointment” or “Why am I such a failure”. These thoughts can creep in easily for many of us, especially when grades decide everything.

Exams like the PSLE don’t make all children stronger. Some may gain confidence, but others feel like failures. Some children get extra tuition or help from their parents. Others do not. The PSLE feels unfair because it decides so much about our future, especially when not all children have the support they need.

I am not saying we should never have big exams, but maybe later. Perhaps in Secondary 4 so we have more time to prepare. Smaller tests or projects along the way can better show how we are learning without freezing us with fear.

We want to learn and do our best without feeling like one exam decides everything. Give us space to explore, make mistakes and grow. That is how we can become ready for real-world pressure.

Syed Ali Alswij, 11
Primary 5