PSLE results to be released next Wednesday
Students may obtain their result slips from their respective primary schools from 11am on Nov 25, says the Ministry of Education.
POSTED: 20 Nov 2015 11:26
SINGAPORE: Students who took the 2015 Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) will be able to obtain their results from next Wednesday (Nov 25), the Ministry of Education said on Friday.
These students may obtain their result slips from 11am on that day, and eligible students will receive option forms to select secondary schools upon collection, it said.
In every sealed Secondary 1 (S1) Option Form, there will be a unique S1 Personal Identification Number which can be used to submit the secondary school options online via the Secondary One Internet System (S1-IS). The S1-IS will be accessible from 11 am on Nov 25 to 3 pm on Dec 1 through MOE's S1 Posting website, according to the press release.
Alternatively, the option form can be submitted through the student’s primary school. Submission at the schools can be made during the following timeslots: From 11am to 3pm on Nov 25; and 9am to 3pm on Nov 26, 27, 30 and Dec 1, the ministry said.
It added that the release of the S1 Posting Results will be on Tuesday, Dec 22, and students can find out the results via the following channels:
Short Message Service (SMS) via a local mobile number (if provided by the applicant during the application process)
S1-IS at www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/secondary-one-posting
At the child’s primary school
Students are to report on Dec 23 at 8.30am to the secondary schools they are posted to, MOE said.
- CNA/kk
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label Primary School Leaving Examination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Primary School Leaving Examination. Show all posts
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Friday, November 22, 2013
97.5% of students pass PSLE
97.5% of students pass PSLE
By John Leong
POSTED: 22 Nov 2013 15:07
UPDATED: 22 Nov 2013 20:18
97.5 per cent of students who sat for the PSLE this year will be moving on to secondary school, marginally lower than last year's 97.6 per cent. This year is the first time MOE is not announcing the highest and lowest scores across the Primary Six cohort.
SINGAPORE: Students across Singapore received their PSLE results on Friday, and 97.5 per cent of those who sat for the PSLE this year will move on to secondary school.
That is marginally lower than last year’s 97.6 per cent.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said a total of 43,047 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE in 2013. Of this number, 41,974 students passed.
In this year's cohort, 66.7 per cent are eligible for the Express stream, 19.9 per cent for the Normal (Academic) and 10.9 per cent for Normal (Technical) courses.
This year is the first time the MOE is not announcing the highest and lowest scores across the Primary Six cohort. That is because it wants the focus to be on the students' holistic development.
One student who received her results on Friday is Low Sieu Xin, who had never had tuition lessons until this year.
In September last year, the Bedok Green Primary School student picked up an eye condition which makes her see colours darker than they really are.
Her studies suffered as a result, and that is why her parents signed her up for a PSLE Preparatory Course.
Her excitement on results day is obvious. And her mother has been doing her best to calm her down.
Sieu Xin, who is also the school’s head prefect, said: "I think she (my mother) knows that I'm really nervous and excited, so I think she didn't want me to dwell on things anymore, so she left me alone to do what I want to do."
Low Gek Eng, Sieu Xin's mother, said: "All along she's quite ok, her standard is all right, up to what she wants, so normally I don't really press her."
And Sieu Xin is satisfied with her scores, like many of her friends.
Meanwhile, Sieu Xin's form teacher, Mrs Hsu Seow Yun is changing schools next year.
And the student wants to pay tribute to her mentor, who helped her cope despite her eye condition.
Mrs Hsu said: "The moment I realised that one of her eyes had hindered vision, I immediately shifted her to a position to enable her to see properly in the class."
Mazel Tan, a Primary Six student in Bedok Green Primary School, said: "Sometimes, because of her (Sieu Xin’s) eyesight, she cannot see the words on the board, so I'll lend her my notes to copy."
The Low family will not be celebrating straight away, due to other commitments. But Sieu Xin is looking forward to the coming days.
When asked what she looks forward to the most, Sieu Xin said: “The outings with my friends. I think it's going to be very fun, because everybody is mainly relaxed already after the results."
Sieu Xin has already been offered a place in Temasek Junior College's Integrated Programme, thanks to her preliminary results.
This means she will skip the GCE O-Level exams and go straight to the A-Levels after six years.
Students who are eligible to progress to secondary school can select their school and submit their forms by 3pm on November 28.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on December 20.
- CNA/xq/nd
- wong chee tat :)
By John Leong
POSTED: 22 Nov 2013 15:07
UPDATED: 22 Nov 2013 20:18
97.5 per cent of students who sat for the PSLE this year will be moving on to secondary school, marginally lower than last year's 97.6 per cent. This year is the first time MOE is not announcing the highest and lowest scores across the Primary Six cohort.
SINGAPORE: Students across Singapore received their PSLE results on Friday, and 97.5 per cent of those who sat for the PSLE this year will move on to secondary school.
That is marginally lower than last year’s 97.6 per cent.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said a total of 43,047 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE in 2013. Of this number, 41,974 students passed.
In this year's cohort, 66.7 per cent are eligible for the Express stream, 19.9 per cent for the Normal (Academic) and 10.9 per cent for Normal (Technical) courses.
This year is the first time the MOE is not announcing the highest and lowest scores across the Primary Six cohort. That is because it wants the focus to be on the students' holistic development.
One student who received her results on Friday is Low Sieu Xin, who had never had tuition lessons until this year.
In September last year, the Bedok Green Primary School student picked up an eye condition which makes her see colours darker than they really are.
Her studies suffered as a result, and that is why her parents signed her up for a PSLE Preparatory Course.
Her excitement on results day is obvious. And her mother has been doing her best to calm her down.
Sieu Xin, who is also the school’s head prefect, said: "I think she (my mother) knows that I'm really nervous and excited, so I think she didn't want me to dwell on things anymore, so she left me alone to do what I want to do."
Low Gek Eng, Sieu Xin's mother, said: "All along she's quite ok, her standard is all right, up to what she wants, so normally I don't really press her."
And Sieu Xin is satisfied with her scores, like many of her friends.
Meanwhile, Sieu Xin's form teacher, Mrs Hsu Seow Yun is changing schools next year.
And the student wants to pay tribute to her mentor, who helped her cope despite her eye condition.
Mrs Hsu said: "The moment I realised that one of her eyes had hindered vision, I immediately shifted her to a position to enable her to see properly in the class."
Mazel Tan, a Primary Six student in Bedok Green Primary School, said: "Sometimes, because of her (Sieu Xin’s) eyesight, she cannot see the words on the board, so I'll lend her my notes to copy."
The Low family will not be celebrating straight away, due to other commitments. But Sieu Xin is looking forward to the coming days.
When asked what she looks forward to the most, Sieu Xin said: “The outings with my friends. I think it's going to be very fun, because everybody is mainly relaxed already after the results."
Sieu Xin has already been offered a place in Temasek Junior College's Integrated Programme, thanks to her preliminary results.
This means she will skip the GCE O-Level exams and go straight to the A-Levels after six years.
Students who are eligible to progress to secondary school can select their school and submit their forms by 3pm on November 28.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on December 20.
- CNA/xq/nd
- wong chee tat :)
PSLE questions crafted in way that lets students show what they've learnt
PSLE questions crafted in way that lets students show what they've learnt
POSTED: 22 Nov 2013 18:13
The more challenging questions in this year's PSLE were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat.
SINGAPORE: This year's Primary Six Leaving Examinations (PSLE) had one small refinement.
The more challenging questions were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said the questions were structured to guide the student's thinking and give points for each of the steps he goes through, and not just for the final answer.
Writing in a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Heng added that the PSLE results also showed that the many programmes put in place by the ministry and schools to level up all students made a difference to many.
He said bringing everyone's focus back from chasing points to really learning is exactly what the ministry wants.
And the students themselves showed a lot of motivation to do well.
All this, he added, showed the ministry is on the right path and will continue on this path.
Mr Heng stressed that the PSLE questions are still of a high standard but the student finds them more accessible, and as he goes through the opening steps well, the student gains confidence to continue.
And even if the student does not get the right final answer, if he gets the first few parts right, the student has shown that he understands his material and gets the points for it.
Mr Heng shared the observation of exam invigilators who saw the Primary 6 students working on the questions right up to the last minute rather than give up on some.
And teachers said their students felt the papers gave them a chance to do well, and they felt confident about their learning.
Mr Heng said putting the focus on learning rather than chasing points is what the ministry wants.
He hopes parents agree that this is the right way to help children learn.
He noted that many more students did well this year, and parents should be very proud of them.
Mr Heng said he would share his thoughts on choosing a secondary school soon.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 22 Nov 2013 18:13
The more challenging questions in this year's PSLE were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat.
SINGAPORE: This year's Primary Six Leaving Examinations (PSLE) had one small refinement.
The more challenging questions were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said the questions were structured to guide the student's thinking and give points for each of the steps he goes through, and not just for the final answer.
Writing in a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Heng added that the PSLE results also showed that the many programmes put in place by the ministry and schools to level up all students made a difference to many.
He said bringing everyone's focus back from chasing points to really learning is exactly what the ministry wants.
And the students themselves showed a lot of motivation to do well.
All this, he added, showed the ministry is on the right path and will continue on this path.
Mr Heng stressed that the PSLE questions are still of a high standard but the student finds them more accessible, and as he goes through the opening steps well, the student gains confidence to continue.
And even if the student does not get the right final answer, if he gets the first few parts right, the student has shown that he understands his material and gets the points for it.
Mr Heng shared the observation of exam invigilators who saw the Primary 6 students working on the questions right up to the last minute rather than give up on some.
And teachers said their students felt the papers gave them a chance to do well, and they felt confident about their learning.
Mr Heng said putting the focus on learning rather than chasing points is what the ministry wants.
He hopes parents agree that this is the right way to help children learn.
He noted that many more students did well this year, and parents should be very proud of them.
Mr Heng said he would share his thoughts on choosing a secondary school soon.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
24 schools conduct P1 balloting
24 schools conduct P1 balloting
By Sharon See
POSTED: 26 Jul 2013 7:12 PM
Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration drew to a close on Friday, with balloting conducted at 24 schools.
SINGAPORE: Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration drew to a close on Friday, with balloting conducted at 24 schools.
This phase is for children whose parents are volunteers, endorsed church or clan members, or community leaders.
St Joseph's Institution (SJI) Junior was one school which conducted balloting for Singaporean applicants living beyond two kilometres of the school.
Most of the applicants are Catholic Church members or grassroots leaders.
Balloting began at 9am, and the mood was a nerve-racking one for applicants because it determined where their children will study, learn and play for the next six years.
But with just six places left for the 28 applicants, competition was intense.
Mr Alvin Lee, a successful applicant who is a senior market development manager at a biotech firm living in Ang Mo Kio, said: "Very, very thankful, very excited and also very relieved, so we don't need to join the nail-biting experience next week again... We were always looking at the MOE website or kiasuparents.com to see the calculations, to calculate our odds."
Mr Daniel Setiadi, an IT specialist who was unsuccessful, said: "We have looked at the history of the balloting and normally, SJI Junior is balloting at Phase 2B, so we kind of expected it.
“We will look for another school for Phase 2C, probably closer to our place. So that's the plan so far."
Before the unsuccessful applicants left, SJI Junior also gave out pamphlets and information on nearby schools to help them choose another school during Phase 2C.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to a number of unsuccessful parents who had mixed views about the registration process, in particular the alumni priority phases.
One of them said she had no complaints even though her son did not get a place in the school, as she had previously benefited from the system when she enrolled her daughter in her former school.
But some other parents were visibly more upset and felt perhaps a quota should be placed on the number of vacancies given out at Phase 2A(2), where parents only have to present their school report books to enrol their children.
Over at Sembawang, Canberra Primary conducted balloting in Phase 2B for the first time.
Canberra invited representatives from nearby schools to provide more information for the unsuccessful applicants.
Mr Sam Wong, principal of Canberra Primary, said: “Parents who've gone through one balloting, I'm very sure they would not like to go for another. Therefore, if we can assist them to make a good choice where they don't have to go for another time of balloting… I think that would be delightful.”
Madam Theresa Ng, principal of Northoaks Primary, said: “We are a new school starting in 2014, so this is a good opportunity for us to reach out to another group of parents… to introduce to them our programmes, to help them understand what we will be doing in 2014.”
The next phase of registration -- Phase 2C, which is open to all children without affiliation -- opens on July 30.
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See
POSTED: 26 Jul 2013 7:12 PM
Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration drew to a close on Friday, with balloting conducted at 24 schools.
SINGAPORE: Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration drew to a close on Friday, with balloting conducted at 24 schools.
This phase is for children whose parents are volunteers, endorsed church or clan members, or community leaders.
St Joseph's Institution (SJI) Junior was one school which conducted balloting for Singaporean applicants living beyond two kilometres of the school.
Most of the applicants are Catholic Church members or grassroots leaders.
Balloting began at 9am, and the mood was a nerve-racking one for applicants because it determined where their children will study, learn and play for the next six years.
But with just six places left for the 28 applicants, competition was intense.
Mr Alvin Lee, a successful applicant who is a senior market development manager at a biotech firm living in Ang Mo Kio, said: "Very, very thankful, very excited and also very relieved, so we don't need to join the nail-biting experience next week again... We were always looking at the MOE website or kiasuparents.com to see the calculations, to calculate our odds."
Mr Daniel Setiadi, an IT specialist who was unsuccessful, said: "We have looked at the history of the balloting and normally, SJI Junior is balloting at Phase 2B, so we kind of expected it.
“We will look for another school for Phase 2C, probably closer to our place. So that's the plan so far."
Before the unsuccessful applicants left, SJI Junior also gave out pamphlets and information on nearby schools to help them choose another school during Phase 2C.
Channel NewsAsia spoke to a number of unsuccessful parents who had mixed views about the registration process, in particular the alumni priority phases.
One of them said she had no complaints even though her son did not get a place in the school, as she had previously benefited from the system when she enrolled her daughter in her former school.
But some other parents were visibly more upset and felt perhaps a quota should be placed on the number of vacancies given out at Phase 2A(2), where parents only have to present their school report books to enrol their children.
Over at Sembawang, Canberra Primary conducted balloting in Phase 2B for the first time.
Canberra invited representatives from nearby schools to provide more information for the unsuccessful applicants.
Mr Sam Wong, principal of Canberra Primary, said: “Parents who've gone through one balloting, I'm very sure they would not like to go for another. Therefore, if we can assist them to make a good choice where they don't have to go for another time of balloting… I think that would be delightful.”
Madam Theresa Ng, principal of Northoaks Primary, said: “We are a new school starting in 2014, so this is a good opportunity for us to reach out to another group of parents… to introduce to them our programmes, to help them understand what we will be doing in 2014.”
The next phase of registration -- Phase 2C, which is open to all children without affiliation -- opens on July 30.
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Phase 2B of P1 registration opens
Phase 2B of P1 registration opens
POSTED: 22 Jul 2013 8:29 PM
Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration opened on Monday. The phase is for children whose parents are endorsed church or clan members, community leaders or school volunteers.
SINGAPORE: Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration opened on Monday. The phase is for children whose parents are endorsed church or clan members, community leaders or school volunteers.
While 'volunteerism' previously conjured images of parents doing tasks like weeding or looking after children, schools say the role of parent volunteers has evolved in recent years.
And it is not only the more popular schools that are now attracting volunteers.
Mdm Diana Loh hopes to enrol her son in Concord Primary School next year, which is within one kilometre of where she lives in Choa Chu Kang.
She signed up as a parent volunteer to find out more about the school, which would also qualify her child for Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration.
So far, she likes what she has seen.
She said: "I don't really want my child to go to a 'brand name' school and be under a lot of pressure. I want him to grow up in a healthy environment. So I thought that by being a volunteer for this school, I could come in and take a look.
"I wanted to get a more comprehensive picture of this school, so that was my motivation for volunteering."
Concord says that it tries to match parents' interest and expertise to areas in which they can contribute.
Principal Tonnine Chua said that the school also provides training for some parents if necessary.
Mdm Loh currently helps out with the school's Chinese reading programme for lower primary students.
Mrs Chua said: “In the past, parents played a more passive role of looking after the children physically. Now parents are more involved in educating and helping the school to nurture the children… beyond academics, (such as) values and character development.”
Another parent volunteer, Cheng Hui Yan, hopes to enrol her child in Rulang Primary School. Mrs Cheng lives within a kilometre of the school.
She said: “I'm in the finance line, so we offered to give the students financial literacy courses… That's probably the reason why we're being selected. It's quite a unique course that we can provide.”
As one of the more popular schools in the western part of Singapore, Rulang Primary School gets a large number of interested parents applying to be volunteers every year.
The school says it conducts an interview process for every single applicant before a panel committee, comprising school leaders and heads of department, cast their votes.
Eugene Ong, principal of Rulang Primary School, said: "Rulang has in place a transparent selection system which ensures that all parent volunteer applicants, regardless of their profession, education qualification or social background, have an equal opportunity to be selected to work with us to support our school's holistic education efforts."
The school says one important quality it looks out for is an applicant's sincerity in working with the school.
The school took in fewer than 10 volunteers last year as a way to manage parents' expectations, as not all children whose parent volunteers are guaranteed a place in the school.
Rulang has 30 places left for Phase 2B, and balloting may occur if there are more applicants than vacancies.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 22 Jul 2013 8:29 PM
Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration opened on Monday. The phase is for children whose parents are endorsed church or clan members, community leaders or school volunteers.
SINGAPORE: Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration opened on Monday. The phase is for children whose parents are endorsed church or clan members, community leaders or school volunteers.
While 'volunteerism' previously conjured images of parents doing tasks like weeding or looking after children, schools say the role of parent volunteers has evolved in recent years.
And it is not only the more popular schools that are now attracting volunteers.
Mdm Diana Loh hopes to enrol her son in Concord Primary School next year, which is within one kilometre of where she lives in Choa Chu Kang.
She signed up as a parent volunteer to find out more about the school, which would also qualify her child for Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration.
So far, she likes what she has seen.
She said: "I don't really want my child to go to a 'brand name' school and be under a lot of pressure. I want him to grow up in a healthy environment. So I thought that by being a volunteer for this school, I could come in and take a look.
"I wanted to get a more comprehensive picture of this school, so that was my motivation for volunteering."
Concord says that it tries to match parents' interest and expertise to areas in which they can contribute.
Principal Tonnine Chua said that the school also provides training for some parents if necessary.
Mdm Loh currently helps out with the school's Chinese reading programme for lower primary students.
Mrs Chua said: “In the past, parents played a more passive role of looking after the children physically. Now parents are more involved in educating and helping the school to nurture the children… beyond academics, (such as) values and character development.”
Another parent volunteer, Cheng Hui Yan, hopes to enrol her child in Rulang Primary School. Mrs Cheng lives within a kilometre of the school.
She said: “I'm in the finance line, so we offered to give the students financial literacy courses… That's probably the reason why we're being selected. It's quite a unique course that we can provide.”
As one of the more popular schools in the western part of Singapore, Rulang Primary School gets a large number of interested parents applying to be volunteers every year.
The school says it conducts an interview process for every single applicant before a panel committee, comprising school leaders and heads of department, cast their votes.
Eugene Ong, principal of Rulang Primary School, said: "Rulang has in place a transparent selection system which ensures that all parent volunteer applicants, regardless of their profession, education qualification or social background, have an equal opportunity to be selected to work with us to support our school's holistic education efforts."
The school says one important quality it looks out for is an applicant's sincerity in working with the school.
The school took in fewer than 10 volunteers last year as a way to manage parents' expectations, as not all children whose parent volunteers are guaranteed a place in the school.
Rulang has 30 places left for Phase 2B, and balloting may occur if there are more applicants than vacancies.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
No balloting needed for Phase 2A(2) of P1 Registration
No balloting needed for Phase 2A(2) of P1 Registration
POSTED: 16 Jul 2013 8:42 PM
UPDATED: 16 Jul 2013 10:22 PM
It is possible that some of the more popular schools may require balloting for Phase 2A(2) of the Primary 1 registration.
SINGAPORE: The results for Phase 2A(2) of the Primary 1 registration are out.
As the number of applicants did not exceed the number of vacancies for any of the schools, balloting will not be conducted for Phase 2A(2).
The Phase 2A(2) is for children whose parents or siblings are former students of the school of choice.
These are the vacancies left over at some of the more popular schools for Phases 2B and 2C.
School Total Places Vacancies
Henry Park 300 9
Ai Tong 330 13
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls'210 24
Nanyang Primary 390 50
Catholic High 240 52
The vacancies left after Phase 2A(2) will be divided equally for Phases 2B and 2C.
Phase 2B is for children whose parents are volunteers, and Phase 2C is for all children without affiliation.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 16 Jul 2013 8:42 PM
UPDATED: 16 Jul 2013 10:22 PM
It is possible that some of the more popular schools may require balloting for Phase 2A(2) of the Primary 1 registration.
SINGAPORE: The results for Phase 2A(2) of the Primary 1 registration are out.
As the number of applicants did not exceed the number of vacancies for any of the schools, balloting will not be conducted for Phase 2A(2).
The Phase 2A(2) is for children whose parents or siblings are former students of the school of choice.
These are the vacancies left over at some of the more popular schools for Phases 2B and 2C.
School Total Places Vacancies
Henry Park 300 9
Ai Tong 330 13
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls'210 24
Nanyang Primary 390 50
Catholic High 240 52
The vacancies left after Phase 2A(2) will be divided equally for Phases 2B and 2C.
Phase 2B is for children whose parents are volunteers, and Phase 2C is for all children without affiliation.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, July 14, 2013
At least half of Pri One vacancies filled in 28 of 190 schools
At least half of Pri One vacancies filled in 28 of 190 schools
By Sharon See
POSTED: 11 Jul 2013 7:49 PM
The results of Phase 2A(1) of this year's Primary 1 Registration are out, and so far, about 28 schools have had at least half their vacancies filled.
SINGAPORE: The results of Phase 2A(1) of this year's Primary One Registration are out, and so far, about 28 schools have had at least half their vacancies filled.
There are 190 primary schools in Singapore.
Phase 2A(1) is for children whose parents are former students of that primary school they are enrolling for and have joined the alumni association at least a year before registration.
Phase 2A(1) also applies to children whose parents are members of the School Advisory or Management Committee.
Among them, Henry Park Primary and Ai Tong Primary only have about a quarter of their vacancies left for the subsequent phases of registration.
But not all 28 of the schools are "brand name schools".
One of them, Anchor Green Primary in Sengkang, which has a 60 per cent enrolment is a relatively new school that only opened in 2008.
Endeavour Primary in Sembawang, which also started in 2008, has 55 per cent of its vacancies filled.
These schools' vacancies were mostly filled during Phase 1, which gives priority to children who have siblings studying in the school.
The next phase of registration, Phase 2A(2) also gives priority to children whose parents are former students.
Phase 2C, which is open to all children without affiliation, opens on July 30.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See
POSTED: 11 Jul 2013 7:49 PM
The results of Phase 2A(1) of this year's Primary 1 Registration are out, and so far, about 28 schools have had at least half their vacancies filled.
SINGAPORE: The results of Phase 2A(1) of this year's Primary One Registration are out, and so far, about 28 schools have had at least half their vacancies filled.
There are 190 primary schools in Singapore.
Phase 2A(1) is for children whose parents are former students of that primary school they are enrolling for and have joined the alumni association at least a year before registration.
Phase 2A(1) also applies to children whose parents are members of the School Advisory or Management Committee.
Among them, Henry Park Primary and Ai Tong Primary only have about a quarter of their vacancies left for the subsequent phases of registration.
But not all 28 of the schools are "brand name schools".
One of them, Anchor Green Primary in Sengkang, which has a 60 per cent enrolment is a relatively new school that only opened in 2008.
Endeavour Primary in Sembawang, which also started in 2008, has 55 per cent of its vacancies filled.
These schools' vacancies were mostly filled during Phase 1, which gives priority to children who have siblings studying in the school.
The next phase of registration, Phase 2A(2) also gives priority to children whose parents are former students.
Phase 2C, which is open to all children without affiliation, opens on July 30.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Less than 1% of P1 cohort admitted under community leaders scheme
Less than 1% of P1 cohort admitted under community leaders scheme
By Olivia Siong
POSTED: 09 Jul 2013 12:24 AM
Less than one per cent of the Primary One cohort has been admitted under the active community leaders scheme.
SINGAPORE: Less than one per cent of the Primary One cohort has been admitted under the active community leaders scheme.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said this in a written parliamentary reply on Monday to MP for Hougang SMC Png Eng Huat.
Mr Png had asked how many Primary One places are given to children of community leaders.
Phase 2B is open to children of active community leaders, parent volunteers and endorsed members of religious groups or clans that are directly connected with the school.
To qualify for Phase 2B priority, community leaders have to serve actively for at least one year prior to the P1 registration exercise.
Mr Heng said the number of children admitted in Phase 2B has remained fairly constant for the past two years -- at about seven per cent of the Primary One cohort.
He added most of the community leaders serve more than the minimum period, and continue to serve even after their children gain admission into the school.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Olivia Siong
POSTED: 09 Jul 2013 12:24 AM
Less than one per cent of the Primary One cohort has been admitted under the active community leaders scheme.
SINGAPORE: Less than one per cent of the Primary One cohort has been admitted under the active community leaders scheme.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said this in a written parliamentary reply on Monday to MP for Hougang SMC Png Eng Huat.
Mr Png had asked how many Primary One places are given to children of community leaders.
Phase 2B is open to children of active community leaders, parent volunteers and endorsed members of religious groups or clans that are directly connected with the school.
To qualify for Phase 2B priority, community leaders have to serve actively for at least one year prior to the P1 registration exercise.
Mr Heng said the number of children admitted in Phase 2B has remained fairly constant for the past two years -- at about seven per cent of the Primary One cohort.
He added most of the community leaders serve more than the minimum period, and continue to serve even after their children gain admission into the school.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, November 23, 2012
More PSLE students qualify for secondary schools
More PSLE students qualify for secondary schools
By Sharon See | Posted: 22 November 2012 1940 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students qualify for secondary schools this year as compared to last year, with 97.6 per cent obtaining a pass for the Primary School Leaving Examination.
The passing rate last year was 97.4 per cent.
This is also the first time that the Ministry of Education is not naming the top scorers in the national examination... in a break from its practice of many years.
At Nanyang Primary School, a sense of anticipation fills the air.
The school has done exceptionally well this year, with 45 students obtaining aggregate scores above 270, and a 100 per cent pass in English Language.
Among them was Shermaine Ang who obtained 275 points, and done so without any tuition.
Beyond good grades, the prefect is also an all-rounder, having clinched two good character awards while balancing her time between Chinese calligraphy and guzheng (a Chinese instrument) in school.
Shermaine Ang said: "I believe that enriching myself is important as well, not only by academic, but on a holistic one. Learning extra, not just to do well and succeed in life but more about learning about the culture, learning about other things, learn about how we can do many things besides studying. Studying's important too, but having other activities also helps you relax, relieve stress as well."
Seng Kang Primary School has also reported an improvement in the number of students who have obtained 250 points and above.
Naturally inquisitive Lee Xuan Jin credits the supportive environment in his school for helping him achieve 274 points.
He hopes to enter the Integrated Programme at Hwa Chong Institution.
Lee Xuan Jin said: "Hwa Chong Institution, it focuses more on the bilingual culture, so because I like both cultures, I would like to go to Hwa Chong, then I can expose myself to more knowledge."
Result slips show the highest aggregate score this year is 285.
And Channel NewsAsia understands that one student in Nanyang Primary is a top scorer in the PSLE.
It is the first time the MOE is not revealing the top scorer of the PSLE, and so far, reaction has been mixed. Some parents say it's a matter of time before they find out through word of mouth, while others say it does not matter to them who the top scorer is as long as their own children have done their best.
Internet forums like the one at kiasuparents.com, however, were abuzz with speculation on who the top scorer could be.
Jean Lai, a parent, said: "Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Shermaine Ang added: "Personally I feel it's not a very good move because as a student, I understand how tough the competition is, and especially this year is the dragon year, so there're many more candidates taking the examination. I feel that if they release the result and tell us who the top scorer is, it's a benchmark for us, and we can do even better after this exam. It spurs our juniors on, makes them do even better.
"In recent years, the neighbourhood schools all that have got top scorers as well, so I think it's a really good motivation for the students from other schools as well, not only from my school, or other so-called brand-name schools. I don't believe there's a separation between brand-name and neighbourhood schools. I think we're all equal."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat has said on his Facebook page the ministry's move in not naming the top scorer is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
He said the PSLE is not the be-all and end-all, and there are now more avenues to recognise success.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 22 November 2012 1940 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students qualify for secondary schools this year as compared to last year, with 97.6 per cent obtaining a pass for the Primary School Leaving Examination.
The passing rate last year was 97.4 per cent.
This is also the first time that the Ministry of Education is not naming the top scorers in the national examination... in a break from its practice of many years.
At Nanyang Primary School, a sense of anticipation fills the air.
The school has done exceptionally well this year, with 45 students obtaining aggregate scores above 270, and a 100 per cent pass in English Language.
Among them was Shermaine Ang who obtained 275 points, and done so without any tuition.
Beyond good grades, the prefect is also an all-rounder, having clinched two good character awards while balancing her time between Chinese calligraphy and guzheng (a Chinese instrument) in school.
Shermaine Ang said: "I believe that enriching myself is important as well, not only by academic, but on a holistic one. Learning extra, not just to do well and succeed in life but more about learning about the culture, learning about other things, learn about how we can do many things besides studying. Studying's important too, but having other activities also helps you relax, relieve stress as well."
Seng Kang Primary School has also reported an improvement in the number of students who have obtained 250 points and above.
Naturally inquisitive Lee Xuan Jin credits the supportive environment in his school for helping him achieve 274 points.
He hopes to enter the Integrated Programme at Hwa Chong Institution.
Lee Xuan Jin said: "Hwa Chong Institution, it focuses more on the bilingual culture, so because I like both cultures, I would like to go to Hwa Chong, then I can expose myself to more knowledge."
Result slips show the highest aggregate score this year is 285.
And Channel NewsAsia understands that one student in Nanyang Primary is a top scorer in the PSLE.
It is the first time the MOE is not revealing the top scorer of the PSLE, and so far, reaction has been mixed. Some parents say it's a matter of time before they find out through word of mouth, while others say it does not matter to them who the top scorer is as long as their own children have done their best.
Internet forums like the one at kiasuparents.com, however, were abuzz with speculation on who the top scorer could be.
Jean Lai, a parent, said: "Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Shermaine Ang added: "Personally I feel it's not a very good move because as a student, I understand how tough the competition is, and especially this year is the dragon year, so there're many more candidates taking the examination. I feel that if they release the result and tell us who the top scorer is, it's a benchmark for us, and we can do even better after this exam. It spurs our juniors on, makes them do even better.
"In recent years, the neighbourhood schools all that have got top scorers as well, so I think it's a really good motivation for the students from other schools as well, not only from my school, or other so-called brand-name schools. I don't believe there's a separation between brand-name and neighbourhood schools. I think we're all equal."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat has said on his Facebook page the ministry's move in not naming the top scorer is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
He said the PSLE is not the be-all and end-all, and there are now more avenues to recognise success.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
11/22/2012 22:00
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
小六会考成绩放榜，有97.6%的考生成功升上中学，比去年97.4%的全国及格率高，最高分数的是285分。据本台了解，南洋小学就有学生考获这个成绩。
教育部今年第一次不再公布状元名单，以鼓励学生要追求全面发展。教育部长王瑞杰在他的面簿上表示，无论孩子的成绩如何，他都希望父母给予支持和鼓励，协助他们在下一个学习阶段中成长，建立自信心和韧性，长大后才有望取得更高的成就。
与此同时，一改过去个别表扬学生的做法，成康小学则分批让优异考生集体接受全校喝彩。
成功克服逆境的考生也获表扬。来自小康家庭的李宣進，是全校最优异的学生，考获274分。热爱中华文化的他希望报读华侨中学。
“有一次就我的数学就没有拿到我所期望的那么高，我很伤心，之后也几次出现这样的情况，所以我就告诉自己要发奋图强，就一直努力下去。”这名成康小学的小状元这么告诉记者。
至于学林小学蔡慧敏，则是师长眼中的模范生，尽管家庭财务状况不理想，须接受学校经济援助，但生活的困境没有影响她的奋斗心，最终考获260分佳绩。她希望报读南洋女中。
为什么会选择这间中学，蔡慧敏表示，这是她妈妈儿时的愿望。
“我想帮她达成心愿，而且听朋友说那里的教育品德非常好。” 蔡慧敏这么表示。
- wong chee tat :)
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
小六会考成绩放榜，有97.6%的考生成功升上中学，比去年97.4%的全国及格率高，最高分数的是285分。据本台了解，南洋小学就有学生考获这个成绩。
教育部今年第一次不再公布状元名单，以鼓励学生要追求全面发展。教育部长王瑞杰在他的面簿上表示，无论孩子的成绩如何，他都希望父母给予支持和鼓励，协助他们在下一个学习阶段中成长，建立自信心和韧性，长大后才有望取得更高的成就。
与此同时，一改过去个别表扬学生的做法，成康小学则分批让优异考生集体接受全校喝彩。
成功克服逆境的考生也获表扬。来自小康家庭的李宣進，是全校最优异的学生，考获274分。热爱中华文化的他希望报读华侨中学。
“有一次就我的数学就没有拿到我所期望的那么高，我很伤心，之后也几次出现这样的情况，所以我就告诉自己要发奋图强，就一直努力下去。”这名成康小学的小状元这么告诉记者。
至于学林小学蔡慧敏，则是师长眼中的模范生，尽管家庭财务状况不理想，须接受学校经济援助，但生活的困境没有影响她的奋斗心，最终考获260分佳绩。她希望报读南洋女中。
为什么会选择这间中学，蔡慧敏表示，这是她妈妈儿时的愿望。
“我想帮她达成心愿，而且听朋友说那里的教育品德非常好。” 蔡慧敏这么表示。
- wong chee tat :)
97.6% of students pass PSLE
97.6% of students pass PSLE
Posted: 22 November 2012 1555 hrs
SINGAPORE: 97.6 percent of students who sat for this year's PSLE are eligible to progress to secondary school.
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
Ahead of the release of this year's PSLE results, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will stop the practice of listing the top students for PSLE.
This is in line with the importance of recognising the students for their holistic development and all-round excellence.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Primary School Leaving Examination is far from the only thing which counts.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Mr Lee said students must also develop good moral values, strong social skills, and a sense of duty to their families and nation.
He said these are not in the PSLE syllabus, but they are important to a fulfilling and productive life.
He said Singapore's education system offers many pathways and opportunities, and students should make the most of them.
They should study hard, but also make time to play and pursue their passions.
One parent MediaCorp spoke to said the move may be a good start to changing parents' mindset.
But Jean Lai, a mother whose child has just completed her PSLE, believes there's still some way to go before the desired outcome can be achieved.
She added that "probably, this is not the only way to change the mindset of parents. This is not stopping the root of the problem. Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well, because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Mrs Lai believes there are other more important ways to manage students' stress about the PSLE.
She said: "The system has to change to cater for a mindset shift in the future, especially the way we are testing children in schools. PSLE is a way to get into a good secondary school education. Probably they also have to change the (secondary school admissions system)."
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 November 2012 1555 hrs
SINGAPORE: 97.6 percent of students who sat for this year's PSLE are eligible to progress to secondary school.
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
Ahead of the release of this year's PSLE results, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will stop the practice of listing the top students for PSLE.
This is in line with the importance of recognising the students for their holistic development and all-round excellence.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Primary School Leaving Examination is far from the only thing which counts.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Mr Lee said students must also develop good moral values, strong social skills, and a sense of duty to their families and nation.
He said these are not in the PSLE syllabus, but they are important to a fulfilling and productive life.
He said Singapore's education system offers many pathways and opportunities, and students should make the most of them.
They should study hard, but also make time to play and pursue their passions.
One parent MediaCorp spoke to said the move may be a good start to changing parents' mindset.
But Jean Lai, a mother whose child has just completed her PSLE, believes there's still some way to go before the desired outcome can be achieved.
She added that "probably, this is not the only way to change the mindset of parents. This is not stopping the root of the problem. Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well, because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Mrs Lai believes there are other more important ways to manage students' stress about the PSLE.
She said: "The system has to change to cater for a mindset shift in the future, especially the way we are testing children in schools. PSLE is a way to get into a good secondary school education. Probably they also have to change the (secondary school admissions system)."
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
97.6% of students pass PSLE
SINGAPORE: 97.6 percent of students who sat for this year's PSLE are eligible to progress to secondary school.
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Parents welcome scrapping of top students list
Parents welcome scrapping of top students list
Yahoo! NewsroomBy Fann Sim | Yahoo! Newsroom – 19 hours ago
Parents in Singapore appear to welcome the news that the Ministry of Education (MOE) will no longer provide a list of students that top national exams.
According to local media reports, the ministry will start with the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scheduled to be released on Thursday and then with the results of the N- and O- levels expected to be announced later his year and early next year respectively. Both the overall list of top scorers and the lists of top scorers for each race will be scrapped.
MOE added that this is in line with the "importance of recognising our students for their holistic development and all-round excellence, and to balance the over-emphasis on academic results."
Several parents Yahoo! Singapore spoke to approved of this change.
"As a parent, I think it is totally fine. Whether they announce the names of top students or not, it's just a name. It's just an extra recognition and I believe students are not studying so hard to just get their names announced on national television or printed in newspapers," sales assistant Sim Kim Heok said.
"When there is no announcement [of the top students], I believe there will be less pressure placed on children," the 47-year-old with a Primary 1 child added.
Another parent said the removal of such lists is long overdue.
"I feel that it's not necessary to announce even the top student of each race. Why should we bother to mention the race? How a child does boils down to his own abilities and, I should say, his teachers too," said Jill Choo, 40, mother of a Primary 4 child.
"Removing the top students list will not help in a big way, but it's a small step that the MOE is taking," Choo added.
Not naming top scorers is especially helpful for PSLE students, a parent said.
"As a parent, I am glad that this practice had been removed. I was with my son when he received his PSLE results last year. When the announcement was made for top student and other top 20 to 30 students, you could see the pressure on the faces of those children, including parents," Joycelin Tan, early 40s, healthcare admin.
"Why put a child through such stress when this is only a initial part of their life and it's still to early to determine whether the child will be successful in his future life?" Tan continued.
However, some parents questioned the changes and said that it's a knee-jerk reaction by MOE to address the stresses of PSLE.
One parent, Funz, posted on parenting forum Kiasuparents and said, "Just because the noise about PSLE being stressful is getting louder, they are now going into overdrive to avoid all possible contribution to that stress."
Another user Pirate said, "What's wrong with celebrating the efforts and talents of those who come out tops? How do we inspire excellence in any particular field if we do not celebrate the best performers in that field? Are we taking the first step towards the slippery slope of dumbing down and a culture of mediocrity?"
Though the top scorers’ lists will be scrapped, schools can still recognise academic excellence through other avenues. Students who perform academically well will still be recognised through Edusave Awards and scholarships, MOE told local media.
- wong chee tat :)
Yahoo! NewsroomBy Fann Sim | Yahoo! Newsroom – 19 hours ago
Parents in Singapore appear to welcome the news that the Ministry of Education (MOE) will no longer provide a list of students that top national exams.
According to local media reports, the ministry will start with the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scheduled to be released on Thursday and then with the results of the N- and O- levels expected to be announced later his year and early next year respectively. Both the overall list of top scorers and the lists of top scorers for each race will be scrapped.
MOE added that this is in line with the "importance of recognising our students for their holistic development and all-round excellence, and to balance the over-emphasis on academic results."
Several parents Yahoo! Singapore spoke to approved of this change.
"As a parent, I think it is totally fine. Whether they announce the names of top students or not, it's just a name. It's just an extra recognition and I believe students are not studying so hard to just get their names announced on national television or printed in newspapers," sales assistant Sim Kim Heok said.
"When there is no announcement [of the top students], I believe there will be less pressure placed on children," the 47-year-old with a Primary 1 child added.
Another parent said the removal of such lists is long overdue.
"I feel that it's not necessary to announce even the top student of each race. Why should we bother to mention the race? How a child does boils down to his own abilities and, I should say, his teachers too," said Jill Choo, 40, mother of a Primary 4 child.
"Removing the top students list will not help in a big way, but it's a small step that the MOE is taking," Choo added.
Not naming top scorers is especially helpful for PSLE students, a parent said.
"As a parent, I am glad that this practice had been removed. I was with my son when he received his PSLE results last year. When the announcement was made for top student and other top 20 to 30 students, you could see the pressure on the faces of those children, including parents," Joycelin Tan, early 40s, healthcare admin.
"Why put a child through such stress when this is only a initial part of their life and it's still to early to determine whether the child will be successful in his future life?" Tan continued.
However, some parents questioned the changes and said that it's a knee-jerk reaction by MOE to address the stresses of PSLE.
One parent, Funz, posted on parenting forum Kiasuparents and said, "Just because the noise about PSLE being stressful is getting louder, they are now going into overdrive to avoid all possible contribution to that stress."
Another user Pirate said, "What's wrong with celebrating the efforts and talents of those who come out tops? How do we inspire excellence in any particular field if we do not celebrate the best performers in that field? Are we taking the first step towards the slippery slope of dumbing down and a culture of mediocrity?"
Though the top scorers’ lists will be scrapped, schools can still recognise academic excellence through other avenues. Students who perform academically well will still be recognised through Edusave Awards and scholarships, MOE told local media.
- wong chee tat :)
PSLE important, but not be-all-and-end-all: Heng Swee Keat
PSLE important, but not be-all-and-end-all: Heng Swee Keat
Posted: 22 November 2012 1137 hrs
SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said his ministry's move to stop releasing information on top scorers in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
Writing in his Facebook page on Thursday morning, Mr Heng said: "It is not possible, nor desirable, to eliminate stress completely. Nor should we be shy about achievements."
He said there are broader considerations and he believes in the pursuit of excellence in all areas of endeavour.
He said: "We must encourage our students to apply themselves and to persevere, so that they can reach their full potential in their chosen fields. When they put in the effort, we should cheer them on. When they succeed, we should recognise and celebrate their success."
Mr Heng pointed out that there are now more avenues to recognise success, such as through the Edusave Scholarships and Edusave Merit Bursary for academic achievements, the expanded EAGLES award for CCA, leadership and community service achievements, and Edusave Character Awards for exemplary display of character.
Schools also provide various forms of recognition - through sporting events, academic Olympiads and competitions in different fields.
All these, Mr Heng said, are platforms to promote excellence.
He added that in education, it is useful to bear in mind two key points - that children need to develop at their own pace and they need to develop as a whole person.
"Pulling up the shoot to accelerate its growth or distorting growth in particular areas at the expense of holistic development will set the children back," he said.
This is why, Mr Heng said, "we are putting the emphasis on a 'student-centric, values-driven' education."
"PSLE is an important exam - but it is not the be-all-and-end-all. It marks the conclusion of one stage of the learning journey - and the road ahead is a long one," he added. "As adults, all of us will have to learn continually throughout our lives. It is not healthy to have such national focus at this stage of the journey.
"Rather, we should encourage them to persevere, to pursue learning along appropriate pathways, and help them succeed in the next phase. What matters is that our children grow up to have a love for learning, and to be life-long learners. It is a marathon, not a sprint."
He hopes parents will support and encourage their children in their next phase of learning and growth regardless of their examination results.
He concluded: "Our children will be more likely to succeed if they grow up to be confident and resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks; and be inventive and adventurous, able and willing to try and create new things. Let us celebrate their effort, continue to encourage excellence, and broaden our definitions of success."
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 November 2012 1137 hrs
SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said his ministry's move to stop releasing information on top scorers in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
Writing in his Facebook page on Thursday morning, Mr Heng said: "It is not possible, nor desirable, to eliminate stress completely. Nor should we be shy about achievements."
He said there are broader considerations and he believes in the pursuit of excellence in all areas of endeavour.
He said: "We must encourage our students to apply themselves and to persevere, so that they can reach their full potential in their chosen fields. When they put in the effort, we should cheer them on. When they succeed, we should recognise and celebrate their success."
Mr Heng pointed out that there are now more avenues to recognise success, such as through the Edusave Scholarships and Edusave Merit Bursary for academic achievements, the expanded EAGLES award for CCA, leadership and community service achievements, and Edusave Character Awards for exemplary display of character.
Schools also provide various forms of recognition - through sporting events, academic Olympiads and competitions in different fields.
All these, Mr Heng said, are platforms to promote excellence.
He added that in education, it is useful to bear in mind two key points - that children need to develop at their own pace and they need to develop as a whole person.
"Pulling up the shoot to accelerate its growth or distorting growth in particular areas at the expense of holistic development will set the children back," he said.
This is why, Mr Heng said, "we are putting the emphasis on a 'student-centric, values-driven' education."
"PSLE is an important exam - but it is not the be-all-and-end-all. It marks the conclusion of one stage of the learning journey - and the road ahead is a long one," he added. "As adults, all of us will have to learn continually throughout our lives. It is not healthy to have such national focus at this stage of the journey.
"Rather, we should encourage them to persevere, to pursue learning along appropriate pathways, and help them succeed in the next phase. What matters is that our children grow up to have a love for learning, and to be life-long learners. It is a marathon, not a sprint."
He hopes parents will support and encourage their children in their next phase of learning and growth regardless of their examination results.
He concluded: "Our children will be more likely to succeed if they grow up to be confident and resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks; and be inventive and adventurous, able and willing to try and create new things. Let us celebrate their effort, continue to encourage excellence, and broaden our definitions of success."
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
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