It seems that as the years go by, the grading system of the education system here is becoming more and more vague, apparently due to the demands of parents. Personally, I think this is definitely not a good move.
I’d like to comment on the hype about removing the T-Score for the 12-year-olds sitting for the PSLE, claims that it reduces stress. Actually, I’d think not. Yes, I do admit that in this way, parents and children alike won’t be able to compare scores and (even) cry over that one lost point or the lack of the prestigious asterisk next to the “A” grade. Many even carry the hopeful thought that with this, it’ll be easier for them/their children to get into the school they desire since schools can no longer as clearly select the students for the Secondary 1 entry. While that may all be well and true, we should all stop to consider the impact of such a change. Students being more blindly streamed into secondary schools may well result in them being incompatible with the school rigor and system.
Before all the angry comments come bursting out at me, no, I am not being elitist or arrogant. It is a fact that all of us have our own academic capabilities, and certain programs and/or extremely competitive environments only suit a certain few. Take the IP, for example. There are already existing students that realize they might not be suited for it after proudly entering the “top” schools with stellar PSLE scores, and they score badly for the A Levels after 6 miserable years and with no O Level certificate to compensate. Think about what would happen if the T-Score was removed, how many more students might have to suffer if their PSLE grades of all As was a lucky fluke (and yes, this does happen) or an early peak in primary school? Is it not more stressful to be studying in an environment with expectations beyond what a 12-16 year old can cope with? In the short term, yes, of course it makes PSLE much more pleasant to sit for, but the aftermath might well be a mess, and who will pick up the pieces then?
I believe the high grading standards were originally implemented simply to show the student’s exact capabilities and best direct them to a stream or school that will benefit them most. I am sure that the so-called “elite” schemes like the GEP and IP programs were not made to put down or discourage those who are weaker in academics, but rather to help each student reach their full potential. As much as those weaker in academics may be able to cope with the slightly slower pace set in a weaker class, those who prove themselves to be more ahead will also benefit from a fast-paced class that suits their learning abilities and speed! It is only practical that there are stronger academic schools, and weaker academic schools, and not a way to put people down. Honestly, the people who cause neighborhood schools to seem bad are ironically the parents.
Not saying that all parents are like this, but there are a few that obnoxiously label all neighborhood schools as “lousy” or “hopeless”, and brag about their smart children who managed to clinch a place in a “superior school”. I have to say, being in a academically strong secondary school, no one here really bothers (or rather, even have the time to) keep commenting about schools and ranking ourselves. It’s not the stress of grades on the kids, or even the stress of being mocked by peers, but more of the stress of the parents that make a big hoo-ha out of the schools. After all, websites like kiasuparents still post top/average T-Scores dutifully every year even after the government took the initiative to stop announcing the top score. It is really the select group of parents who have narrow mindsets and lack of tact that cause the ugly commotion about schools (not that I disapprove of kiasuparents, but rather those parents that post rude or evidently proud comments that rile others up). Most parents aren’t like that, but then again only a few need to get the ball rolling and it will eventually grow into a huge fireball that is troubling everyone now!
In any case, I strongly feel that hiding or not revealing top scores and/or not giving too comparable scores is NOT the way to go. Other than not being able to know your true potential, in this way students are less motivated to study. Yes, sure, not everything is about grades, but they are still important to show how much we have learnt and amassed, right? I am horrified at the mindset of my sister’s classmate (which is becoming common amongst the primary schoolers), who feels that without a T-Score, she can still “do so-so and get all As, so why bother”? While trying to ease the burdens of our young children, we should not be encouraging laziness and nonchalance alongside it. This will well result in the lackluster efforts of many kids who will underestimate or not bother about the exam at all, and certainly this is not the intention of those who aim to help the kids, like concerned parents or the government!
I say maintain the grading system, it is really quite fair and just. Personally, I have experienced the PSLE firsthand and am about to take the O Levels next year (2015) and so have many batches of seniors before me, and we have all survived it. The PSLE really isn’t some scary monster waiting to devour kids unless the parents and teachers make a big fuss about it. Let the students get a grade that shows their potential, and allow them to make more informed choices for their secondary education! If the student blanks out or makes blunders in the exam, that’s really fate! My ex-classmate fell asleep during the PSLE Math paper and lost 15 marks just for not attempting those questions, and alongside other mistakes she got a B instead of her normal A*! These things happen all the time, it’s life, let’s not use those circumstances as reasons to edge out of what could be a good grading system. As long as the score is just and something deserving of each individual’s efforts, let that be that!
Mugg
TRS Contributor