So the PSLE results were released this year and it was very noticeable that many a public figure including ministers, celebrities, etc are tripping over themselves to congratulate all the primary 6 kids who sat for the exams this year. The key twist this year was that it was the first time the new scoring system was being used. Under the new system, there is no absolute PSLE score, but rather a band score.
I think it is great that the message being underlined is that your PSLE score does not define you. This is a message that is not underlined enough. It is also probably not as effective because on a day to day basis, our kids in school are bound to encounter a teacher, a peer, a relative, or some other person who will insist to them that without good exam results they have no hope in life.
This message is one that originates in the ancient past of Singapore’s education system. I give credit to MOE and the teachers for trying to shift the tone but I am sure they are also aware that not everyone is following that same script. My eldest daughter often told me of two of her teachers (who are veterans that have been teaching since I was in primary school) often scolded the class and told them that they needed to get above 90 marks for the examinations.
I tend to give these teachers the benefit of the doubt regarding their concern for the children. I believe this of most teachers in Singapore.
Also, once upon a time I truly did believe that good exam results were everything. This was a value inculcated in me by my parents first and foremost. I went through the education system driven by a belief that if I continued getting good results at O and A levels, success would be within reach.
And you know what, my parents were right. If I hadn’t studied hard, I would not have gotten that scholarship after ‘A’ levels and thus I would not have gotten that job with MFA eventually. The salary and the experience were life changing not only for me but my entire family. It all began with the PSLE.
But I also hesitate to say that I had a successful life. There were fractured relationships, emotional dislocation, mental illness all of which were also attributable to the O and A levels, the scholarship and the job that came with it. I do not look back with much anger or regret, but I also can’t only view it through rose-tinted glasses.
Life is rough, and doing well in the PSLE or any other examination does not guarantee you a smooth ride. I don’t think there is a magic formula or a holistic solution that can help you gain a successful life. Ultimately, I believe that success and happiness are nebulous concepts and cannot be defined easily.
So instead of chasing success and happiness, I encourage you to do stuff that will make you feel successful and happy. It does not have to be a big thing. Small steps. Learn what makes you feel good in a meaningful way. Test the boundaries so you can watch out for signs of meaningless hedonism or the ennui that comes with internet surfing or binge-watching. Learn to give thanks for the small wins but also acknowledge the anger and frustration that comes with the losses. Also learn to deal with these emotions.
You will never come across a perfect answer to these real life problems. And that’s ok. It’s a journey, and one you can pave by yourself. Venture forth and discover!
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