Forum: Students’ personal development in non-academic pursuits important too

A circular from my child’s primary school states that attending “local/overseas external competition not representing school/nation” will result in students being marked as AB (absent without valid reason), with zero marks for assessments and examinations.

As my child is involved in non-school competitions, it is possible that a crucial competition clashes with a school assessment.

Attempts to reason with the principal were in vain.

While I agree that exams are important, holistic education is not simply about academic grades. Competitions in sports or the performing arts have much to offer too. Children learn values such as discipline and resilience through tough training. Losing teaches our children to handle disappointment, while winning shows that diligence and sacrifice pay off.

There should not be a distinction between school/national and “external” competitions. When our children compete overseas, these experiences add to their education and broaden their horizons. Should they be the only Singaporeans in an overseas competition, they will be representing the nation, albeit non-officially.

Should school glory be deemed more important than our children’s personal development? Moreover, some of these competitions, not recognised by the school, may be supported by government bodies such as the National Arts Council.

If our children pursue learning in non-academic forms, it is not a zero-sum game. While working hard in school for their grades, they should be supported to simultaneously learn and shine outside school.

Also, while trying for Direct School Admission, their portfolios will lack the required competition experience and merely verbalising their passion during the interview is not enough.

Time and resources spent on holistic education for our children should be recognised too. Our children should not have to sacrifice their non-academic passions for solely academic ones.

Paul Chee