To all singaporeans and foreigners: what do you think of singapore's education system?

Question

is the education syatem too relaxed or too stressful? i think it's stressful because i'm a student in singapore too, but i always hear people saying that the education in south korea and japan is worse. is it true? just curious.

Answer 1

our educations system is one of the best in the world. and im not just saying that because i am singporean. the results speak for itself. we are only a country of 43 years old and yet in such a short time we have garnered top positions in science and math, beating countries like america. also the National University of Singapore is one of the top 40 universities in the world.

also, we are continually revising our system. although i have to say that sometimes it can be very annoying when the syllabus keeps changing and you find out that a subject that you studied is now no longer in the curriculum but it is the process that is important. we are continually finding new ways to improve our system and remain competitive in the global arena.

our education system also provides students with the opportunity to diversify. with the change in the A level system (H1 H2 H3), students have the chance to have a cross disciplinary education. although some are of the view that is prevents student from specialising, this allows our student to be more well-rounded.

the system also cares for all types of students with varying aptitudes. we have various tracks to cater for all kinds; from the Integrated Programme to the ITE track for students more suited to technical skills, we ensure that all our students are equipped with some relevant skill to prepare themselves for the workforce. also there is much flexibility between the tracks and this is seen mroe obviously in secondary schools where one can move from normal stream to express if capable. also, we have examples of ITE students slowly working their way up to polytechnics and finally to local universities. sure it may take a very very long time but the system allows for this to happen and provides opportunities.

of course our system has its flaws. but no system is perfect. so far i think that we have done a very good job for ourselves.

Answer 2

ppl often think highly of spore's education system being advanced and all that but i personally do not think so. its so called "advanced" because of the exams sporeans take--the O and A levels. these exams are internationally recognised, and thats the ONE AND ONLY FACTOR that makes spore's education "advanced". foreign students come to spore to study and according to my observation, they top all the exams, being it school exams ar national exams like the Os and As. foreign students and scholars come into spore, and make the locals look like a bunch of freaks. sporean students are so not mature. the JC students still sit around in a circle and sing like 12, 13 year old kids. i do not know why..

Answer 3

my primary six daughter stop asking me to help in her homework cos i m as clueless after primary five..........lol

but seriously i would like her to understand a bit malay even if i have to teaches her myself

Answer 4

I totally agree with what BigSis has written. How you define "good" is subjective. Achieving top results in certain fields by students from the Singapore Education system do not prove anything.

Answer 5

it's ok, but I think people stress about it too much - everything is exams and qualifications and learning.  It's the only place I've ever lived where you see kids walking around in school uniform on a Sunday!

It is also very statistically focussed (take the very first person's reply for example).  Being able to pass an exam doesn't necessarily make you good at what you do.  If you lack the people skills, you're going to be a terrible dentist or doctor for example.  If you lack the imagination, your architectural designs are going to all look the same (regardless of how good your exam results at school were!).

I think there's trouble ahead in the future - you never see young bus, bumboat or taxi drivers, likewise people who work as mechanics or as plumbers or other tradespeople are rarely young.  What's going to happen when those guys retire?  Everyone wants their kid to be a doctor or a lawyer - nobody is happy for their child to just be themselves or become a singer, dancer or hang out in a band for a few years.

I think Asia in general is very exam-based though, not just Singapore.

I hope the kids are fairly happy doing what they do though and I'm sure that in the future they're not all going to be doctors who really wanted to be artists.................or are they?  :o)