the new singapore education system

"Using what is commonly known as 'blogging' or 'online journalling' students from two top local junior colleges (JCs) are pouring their hearts out quite publicly (mourning the deaths of their college mates)".. see fully story here..

a heartwrenching reminder of the tremendous pressures of society on our younger generation...

i'm in school today discussing my group's presentation next week on the "Desired Outcomes of Education". we're supposed to present what has been done so far by the govrment to attain these outcomes and then lead a class discussion on the problems and obstacles that may hinder the Ministry's progress..

for those who don't know, the singapore education system has often been described as "ruthlessly efficient".. and not without reason.. other than the acquisition of skills and knowledge, the MOE website states and strives towards the following goals:

"the right values and attitudes to assure the livelihood of the individual and the country's survival and success. We must learn to be self-reliant, yet able to work closely with others; individually competitive, yet with a strong social conscience. We must be flexible in mind and outlook to adapt constantly to a rapidly changing world. We must have firm moral bearings to give us strength in a world of shifting values.

Pupils must know our common history, our vulnerabilities and constraints. They must develop a sense of shared identity and destiny, the instinct to defend Singapore's national interests, and the resolve and confidence to stand together as one people, to overcome threats and challenges.

Education helps to preserve our cultural roots. Our pupils ought to know their own cultural heritages and mother tongues. At the same time they must learn to understand and respect the different racial, religious, cultural and language backgrounds of their fellow citizens."

on top of that, IT literacy is emphasized, as well as the fostering of creativity and innovation..

sometimes, i wonder if all that change is necessarily good, and if berating those who are slow to change is fair... i look at what we have in store for our students in school these days - project work, critical thinking skills and creativity, entrepreneurship, knowledge-based learning (known as "knowledge inquiry") - on top of their curriculum, and i can understand the pressures they and their parents must face every day .. even primary school kids are exposed to genetics, robotics and bioscience, not just basic level science like pond life and roadside trees (remember??) we were learning in our time

ever wondered what the future looks like to them? a pressure vault? or full of hope and good things worth embracing..? i remember coming out of school fresh-faced and excited.. is there room for those who choose to take things at a slower pace? what about people who are late developers?

questions..