Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing said that those frustrated with the Singapore education system should not be too quick to “blame the system,” at a dialogue session held yesterday.
Adding that “we (are) the system…and we are all collectively responsible,” the minister advocated to the 250 participants at the event: “We can be the agents of change, rather than waiting for the system to change … The choice is entirely ours.”
Chan’s comments came on the same day that primary school leavers received their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results. 38,312 of 38,942 students who took the exam qualified for secondary school this year.
Chan also urged parents to avoid blaming their children for not achieving top grades because they gave unconventional answers. This would make children feel unworthy and cause “permanent damage,” he said.
On whether local parents are sending their children for too many supplementary and tuition lessons, Chan said that parents should be “careful not to overplay it” but acknowledged the importance of children acquiring diverse skills.
The event, held as part of the Singapore Children’s Society 65th Anniversary Conference, was centred upon redefining success. On how the younger children can best achieve success, Chan said that children should excel by pursuing their passions.