Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 3: Leon Perera on reducing unhealthy stress among students
Recent reforms such as the new PSLE scoring system, the introduction of some aptitude-based admissions and the removal of mid-year exams are all commendable steps to make education more equitable, holistic and less exam-focused. However, we should ask what more we can do to reduce unhealthy competitive stress among students, especially those who are less academically able or less well-off, said MP Leon Perera. He offered two suggestions in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 28). First, leverage technology to further improve access to enrichment programmes for low-income children. He said the Ministry of Education could facilitate the use of educational materials that are freely available online, such as podcasts and explainer videos. Second, make internships compulsory for post-secondary and even secondary schools and link up companies with less popular schools. He cited the perception that students from better-off families have greater access to internships through their parents’ networks.
Recent reforms such as the new PSLE scoring system, the introduction of some aptitude-based admissions and the removal of mid-year exams are all commendable steps to make education more equitable, holistic and less exam-focused. However, we should ask what more we can do to reduce unhealthy competitive stress among students, especially those who are less academically able or less well-off, said MP Leon Perera. He offered two suggestions in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 28). First, leverage technology to further improve access to enrichment programmes for low-income children. He said the Ministry of Education could facilitate the use of educational materials that are freely available online, such as podcasts and explainer videos. Second, make internships compulsory for post-secondary and even secondary schools and link up companies with less popular schools. He cited the perception that students from better-off families have greater access to internships through their parents’ networks.
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