More than Grades – a new series by The Straits Times to spotlight remarkable youth

SINGAPORE – For the longest time, The Straits Times has covered the release of every national examination’s results.

Like clockwork, the season of results coverage would kick in from November, starting with the Primary School Leaving Examination, followed by the N, O and A levels from December to February, and the International Baccalaureate somewhere in between.

Some time back, when the Ministry of Education stopped revealing the top scorers along with their grades, the stories that started appearing in the media also began to change.

No longer was it about straight-A students and overachievers – the focus shifted to those who were all-rounders across their studies and other extracurricular activities, as well as others who had faced insurmountable challenges at a young age and fought hard to do well in school.

In 2025, ST went a step further by deciding not to cover the routine releases of exam results.

Instead, the team of education reporters hopes to tell the stories of young people behind their academic grades and transcripts throughout the year and not only in the results season.

We aim to do this with a new monthly series, More than Grades, starting on May 25, that will put the spotlight on a variety of youth, from teenagers who have chosen unconventional paths to chase their dreams to others who have succeeded despite great challenges.

Our young today navigate conflicting messages. Despite efforts to ease the academic strain, the Singapore education system is still known to many to be intense and competitive, described as “high-stakes” and a “pressure cooker”.

Youth mental health is in crisis – around one in three people aged 15 to 35 here has experienced severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, a nationwide survey by the Institute of Mental Health reported in September 2024.

Top concerns include cyber bullying, self-esteem issues and the excessive use of social media. Other contributing factors often cited are an overly academic culture and parental expectations.

Yet there are signs of change. There is a growing recognition, especially among younger generations of parents and children, that well-being deserves to be paid more attention, and that people with different aspirations can find contentment in different ideas of success.

It will take more than good exam grades and getting into the “right” schools for our children to navigate an increasingly uncertain era of rapid global and technological changes.

Over the years the education system has undergone shifts and changes, from dialling back on the overemphasis on academic results to broadening the options and pathways available for students.

The hope is that this shift will continue to redefine choices and the way success is pursued in Singapore.

Our intention is not to say that grades do not matter and that achievements – academic or otherwise – should not be celebrated.

They should, and each of our features will delve into the personal stories of these young people, shedding light on their obstacles, and the triumphs that may go unheralded.

From featuring those juggling a full school timetable with caregiving responsibilities or trying to make ends meet, to others using their talents to start social initiatives or help people in need, this series hopes to broaden the understanding of success.

Our message to students: You are worth more than your grades and report cards, and there are many other stories of grit, hope and joy that can inspire you. And to parents: There is no shortcut to listening to your children with care, empathy and thought.

For as a mother of two young children, my wish is that they will find their own place in a society that will value them too.