Allow more flexibility in studies

Clivebenss SG

ALTHOUGH I agree with Mrs Sylvia Lee ('Packed syllabuses won't make thinkers'; Monday) that the current education system is overly focused on examinations and textbooks, I do not think that cutting the syllabuses would help. After all, many gifted students excel even with the current curriculum volume. There are, in contrast, weaker students who muddle along.

The solution lies in greater flexibility in studies, allowing each student to explore his academic and non-academic interests.

Granted, steps have been taken that theoretically grant students greater breadth in their studies. One example would be the revised A-level framework, allowing students to take a variety of subjects at either H1 or H2 level, and stronger students to take an extra H3 subject. H1 is meant to allow students to broaden their scope, while H3 is meant mainly for enrichment.

However, the requirements of the same A-level framework compel most students to offer four content subjects (excluding general paper, mother tongue and project work). Rarely does a student opt for five content subjects with the intention of broadening his scope.

The requirement for a student to study at least one contrasting subject - for example, a science student studying a humanities subject - has also not had the desired outcome. Almost all arts students take mathematics as a contrasting subject: In many junior colleges, this is mainly due to the restrictive subject combination list.

In secondary school, the option for students to study a subject at either a higher or lower level is rare. There is also a lack of enrichment programmes.

Students should be allowed to excel beyond the rest of the cohort in a particular area if they are so inclined.

Let us allow our children to enjoy their school life as well as maximise their potential through a differentiated education system.

Lee Chee Yann

iveco SG

Do away with streaming and replace it with electives.

likeyou SG

When ones step into the working world, will ones uses his subjects to apply to work?

wee_ws SG

Hi,

Students will, hopefully, use habits of an investigative mind (cultivated through our curriculum) at the workplace. Skills (honed through the schooling years) like report-writing, basic mathematical calculations, presentation, logical reasoning, etc will be relevant when students enter the workforce.

Thanks.

Cheers,
Wen Shih

The man who was death SG

lack of enrichment programs?? if there is lack of them, does mr lee want schools to take away more holiday time so that students can go on enrichment programs??