Education system in singapore

 Source from : http://app.www.sg/what/59/Education.aspx

Singapore’s educational system is one of the top in the world. having its current ranking is at 2^nd in the world, this is one of the main attraction to foreign who want their children to have top quality education. Singapore currently separate it education system into 4 different stages namely; primary, secondary, ITE / Poly and University.

By doing so, it allows the system to run more systemically. It separates all the levels and make sure that each level are learning the correct stuff and progressively improving them. Singapore government spends lots of money to improve the education system. Not only are the foreigners attracted to the education level of Singapore, Singaporean too are also fighting over for a place to be in well known school for their children.

I agreed that no doubt, the educational system is Singapore is good but it too, has its flaw. For example, there are some well known schools that selectively select only smart children into their school. We can view this example in two view point. Smart kids that are placed together are less time consuming when teaching them but again, it will cultivate a strong sense of competition among the students, stressing them out and making them to have a competitive mentality.

On the other hand, students who are smart and place into a normal well known school often learn much faster and progress faster because they help their peers by explaining to them. During the explanations, the students revise the work in their mind, allowing them to revise and apply the knowledge when teaching.

I feel that all the students should be mix equally so that no one will be left alone to progress. It may be slower in progressing but it will definitely bring the education system into another level.

Recent Nature Disaster

 

Natural disaster can happen anywhere anytime. From recent news, i realize that the rate of natural disaster is at an increasing rate.  The after match of the disaster often left many homeless, starved and loses their loves one. It makes me realize that how can such disaster affect one’s life.

The reason for the recent increase of natural disaster is partly due pollution. As the uprising of higher standard of living, mankind begins to build more machines and factories to manufacture the products. During the process, the gases, which are produced as byproduct was released to the air, causing the ozone layer to be thinner. Thus this affects the drop in the temperature and cause the ice at the North and South Pole to melt. This will inter affect the change in the climate and causes the rate of natural disaster such as hurricane, typhoon earthquake.

I think that for our part, we should try to help reduce pollution. No doubt we are staying in Singapore, which is one of the countries which do not have such disaster, we should do our part to prevent it and reduce the rate of natural disaster. We will never know when it will be our turn to experience natural disaster. Prevention is better than cure hence we can start doing conservation work today. It may not benefit us now but it will surely benefits our off springs in the future.

What we do may not be a great impact for the world, however, if each and everyone do a little bit more to reduce pollution, it will definitely help and reduce the rate of natural disasters.

Recent Natural Disasters

Deadly tornado and storms hit south-western China

News:
Heavy storms and a tornado have took away lives of more than 39 people near the city of Chongqing in south-western China.

It was reported that a minimum of 150 others were seriously hurt after the heavy rain, a hail storm, gales and a tornado struck two rural areas. Currently rescue work was ongoing in Liangping and Dianjiang, news reports some 70,000 people were temporarily evacuated from areas near Chongqing. The storms ruined more than 1,000 homes, damaged many crops, and caused power cuts. Local reports said almost 1,000 homes in Chongqing had partially collapsed and thousands more were damaged. The hospital there said that many equipments was damaged when power was lost. Local government has announced that it will take about two days to restore power.
The storms were known to be caused by a heatwave from the south colliding with a northern cold front.The worst affected area reported winds of more than 100km/h (62mph).

My personal view:

In a big country like China, there will be definitely some district areas which will be affect by natural disaster -like tornado and storms. Many of these severe incidents caused lost of lives and uncountable injuries. The after effects of all these will be the rebuilding of everything -buildings and house, and also the mental reconstruction of many who lost their love ones. And not all of these are recoverable.
Thus i would like to take this chance to let Singaporeans know how lucky they are to be able to live in such a good location whereby the worst things that could ever happen is just a monsoon season. The value of life should be deeply inserted into every Singaporeans mind, they ought to know that even though they don't lose their lives to natural disasters like how other people in other country does, the ability to value themselves and their love ones must stand strong.

bullying in school

 

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/what_bugs_me/421006/boy_bullied_by_classmate_for_over_a_year_but_school.ht

"Boy bullied by classmate for over a year but school doesn't take action"

This new was taken from stomp. I was surprise that the boy was bullied so long and yet, the school did not realize it until a year later. Many people will think that the school did not do their job, but it was otherwise. Students who get bullied usually kept quiet about it as they are afraid that they will be hurt if they report to the teachers.

Personally I feel that things cannot be resolved by violence. I’d say, turn the tables around so that the bully has to face the choices between morale and discipline actions. These bullies, or bully, have to be stopped and be counseled immediately and the victim too, must be counseled as well. This is to prevent victims from turning into future bullies.

Bullying varies from verbal, physical, psychological and being just simply biased. Anything that will cause another party to cry out “unfair!” or “it’s not fair!” also another form of bullying. In this day and age, bullying is so common that self respect is lost on them.

It is the very reason why these bullies do not understand the reality of respect and the way they do not show and give respect to others. It is one of the common reasons on why or where the bullying cases started. Attention seeker would generally bully as well. They will bully others just to seek people attention and see how the other party’s reaction. It is self entertainment for themselves to be amused.

For some, some parents teach their children to be tough or fight back if they think they are being treated unfairly in a situation. Thus, by turning their mindset; mentality and attitude in the wrong way. Hence, I think that family will play the most important part of the younger children lives to make them realize the true and better way to deal with bullying issues.

Animal Abuse

http://www.newser.com/story/108140/man-faces-charges-after-tossing-puppy-from-car.html

Recently, a Chicago man faces charges of animal cruelty after throwing a puppy out of a moving car into traffic, reports the Chicago Tribune. Sergieu Muresan, 26, turned himself in after seeing a warrant for his arrest 11 days after he tossed the pup out a window in a busy Chicago intersection. He faces up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted. The dog is fine and going up for adoption.

Seeing such sad stories, it reminds me of the cruel side of mankind.Animals are like man, they need oxygen to breath, food to eat, water to survive. The only thing which differentiate man from animals are men have brains which give them knowledge and intelligence. Why do people want to abuse animals? We are the ones who are intelligent; therefore we should not mistreat but take good care of them. They too need love and care like us.

People who ill treat and abuse animals are mentally sick.Personally I think that people who are in their right mind will love and appreciate life, especially cute animals. How can a normal and right minded person do such evil thing? If mankind are sicko, how can we explain that a new born infant being love can care by their parents? This prove my point that animal abuser are not only mentally unstable but also should be punish severaly by the governement law.

To the animal abuser or people who are thinking of abusing animals, if you want people to show care and concern to you, you should start treating animals with care and concern first. Always put yourself in their shoe! If you do not enjoy others doing those things to you, start to treat animals with love, care and concern. The animals deserve all of the good stuffs.

Animal Abuse

http://animals.change.org/blog/view/tied_up_and_tortured_group_seeks_justice_for_lacey

Lacy is a 7-pound mixed breed dog that was tethered to a tree outside of her Bakersfield home. She was brutally hit across her mouth with a golf club and had bleach sprayed into her eyes.  Furthermore she was left bruised for several days without any medical attention.

 Has the harsh cruelties of life turned us into an inhumane beast? Do we choose to channel all our anger to those defendless creatures below us? Is it all because we choose to be ignorant to what the ones above have planned for us? Is it fair, or audacious for us to exert our authority in such a manner?

This behaviour depicts an individual’s trait that mainly exhibits cowardliness. The inability to constructively manage their emotions resorts them to hurt the creatures that pose no harm as they roam the earth.

Domestic animals such dogs and other pets are like infants who come into this world of the unknown with the longing to be loved. Just like infants they do not choose who their “parents” would be. But regardless of whom they see before them they slowly remove the mask of fear and love their owners no matter how their physical appearance may be. The feeling of being wrapped in some ones arms no matter whom or what they use to be seizes to pose any difference to the amount of loyalty that the dog would have on the owner.

How then do we handle ruthless individuals who fail to notice that an animal pulsates and so the feeling of hurt be it physical or emotional is present in the animal. Would allowing the abuser to go through a similar process of torture be sufficient to teach the individual? Well, in my opinion I feel that the solution is deeply rooted within the soul and the background of the individual.

I honestly feel that the abuser is not of a sound mind. Only a professional psychotherapist maybe able to tap into the mind of the abuser enabling the root cause of their actions to be unravelled.  Gonzales who is the convicted from the article, has had prior charges which include possession of a controlled substance and an illegal weapon. An ex-girlfriend also has a restraining order against him on counts of domestic violence. With ill treatment of fellow people what more on harmless fragile animals. 

Bullying In School

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/01/24/teens_suicide_prompts_a_look_at_bullying/

According to Wikipedia, “Bullying is a form of abuse. It involves repeated acts over time attempting to create or enforce one person's (or group's) power over another person (or group), thus an "imbalance of power".”  In this blog post I would be expressing my views of bulling a single individual. The exertion of force and power over an individual may be due to several reasons. These reasons include satisfaction or the release of frustration as they may have been or are being abused at home.

Why satisfaction you may be wondering. Well, some people find it gratifying to oppress other individuals with their power and commonly in school is their size or other advantages that they may have over others. The feeling of control from bullying gives them the gratification. When teenagers have anger that is cooped up for long and do not effectively deal with it they channel their anger into making the lives of others miserable. For some who are being bullied at home want others to know exactly what they feel so they do unto other what others have done unto them.

Bullying comes in two main forms Physical and Verbal. Physical bullying leads to visible scars only then the matter tends to be taken seriously. However the deeply engraved scars caused by verbal abuse may not be exuded during the initial stages however the long term effects may be very detrimental. Especially for those who choose to compress their sadness within themselves eventually emotions are bound to burst out and the result can be very messy.

The medium through which insulting and other demeaning words are conveyed has increased with the advancements in technology and the increased knowledge of cyber awareness. Taunts can be conveyed not just through personal contact but via the internet in the individual’s home. This makes running away from mockery a whole lot harder than ever before. With Reference to the article Bullying did not stop on school ground it was continued with taunting text messages and harassing postings on Facebook.  When bullied in school most teenagers would normally avoid school grounds but when the taunts begin to follow you wherever you go it becomes a living nightmare.

As stated in the article, the bullying received in school eventually lead to the girl committing suicide. Basically immense pain from slurs leads to intolerance which than leads to suicide. Of cause this in lay mans terms which is a more complex problem to resolve. Slurs can cause a wound in your heart but when it continues it is like cutting an open wound over and over again. Teenagers who do not have a support group or who are introverts that do not know how or do not want to utilise theses support is especially dangerous for them. Support may come in the form of friends, family and relatives. These individuals who do not have or do not use the support feel encased with their problems preventing them from looking beyond anything else. They begin to feel that their battling a war alone.

Remember the phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”? This to me is a little less trickier said than done. Only an individual whose heart is made of stones can withstand perpetual slurs. Amidst many insults at least one is ought to get you thinking if it could be true.

In my opinion slurs pierce right through an individual’s confidence which can result in them questioning themselves on their appearance, abilities, inabilities, character, and personality basically, everything about themselves. With all emotions within the individual instable the actions carried out would not be thought through in that state of mind. Death will be seen as the only option to liberate oneself from the pain.

Finally, they may want revenge because, as defined earlier that bullying is the imbalance of power. Bullies tend to be the more domineering one who exerts their power to oppress others. Not in a professional point of view but in my point of view I feel that an individual who is constantly bullied and ostracized would want to eventually speak up. This may not be for all cases but for some. The encased hurt may evolve into anger that is nurtured over the years. The effects may be that the individual would want to avenge once they have achieved a certain level of power and authority. In the extreme cases they may take it out on not just the bully but on all those who could have helped but failed to do so.

The morals I have learnt after carefully lamenting about this post is that everyone should be treated with respect regardless of the position or status they posses. The future remains uncertain and the build up within an individual is invisible to the naked eye. The possible detriments from bullying are just not worth it.

"Just One person’s dysfunctional behaviour can possibly cause a catastrophe".

Recent Natural Disasters

Indonesia tsunami deaths increase after Sumatra quake

URL of article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11626242

Natural Disasters is part of a progression that human hands cannot control. The world is changing and Mother Nature has been tampered with. With all the adverse effects that the earth has to go through to sustain all living organisms, are not natural disasters inevitable? Preventive measures may be implemented however the capability of Mother Natures’ wrath remains indefinite to even the most renowned scientist.

In October 2010 off the coast of Sumatra, without any forewarning Indonesia experienced an earthquake that triggered a tsunami with a magnitude of 7.7. A total of ten villages were completely destroyed in landslides. The tsunami moved at such an intense speed that it tore down trees, destroyed roads and bridges, and wrecked buildings. The access roads in Sumatra were torn apart by the quake preventing medical teams from reaching the injured. Just imagine lying by the side of a broken down road waiting for help to arrive for a time that remains unknown with blood oozing out of your wounds exposed to germs.

Women and children are not spared from the wrath of Mother Nature. All in the path of the tsunami is engulfed and swallowed whole. For the unfortunate, they are thrust into anything that stands in the way of the killer waves. It may it be a concrete wall or it may have been a tree that once stood tall, it doesn’t really matter. The graphics are not to scare you but instead to paint a visual image of how catastrophic the situation was. Merely reading the articles alone may evoke sympathy but visualising it would evoke empathy.

Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children and the youth as the magnitude of the devastation may be too much them to comprehend. Within minutes their lives are changed for the worst. Houses, streets and all that once stood upon their village have been brought to chaos in an instant. Their sense of security is snatched away from them in an instant, leaving them in a world of turmoil and sadness in seconds. The chaos to their once familiar environment such as their homes and playgrounds can be a long lasting and distressing experience. Unlike the village that can be restored to how it used to be with time, memories cannot be erased.

Health ministry officials said 113 bodies had been recovered in the area so far reported the Associated Press news agency. In addition, 200 body bags were being sent to the region in case they were needed. Many would have to battle with uncertainty and in a time like this the feeling is personified and it is like a dagger pierced through the heart with every day that passes by and no news of their loved ones survival reported. Closure to me is very important. I would rather know that my loved one has passed on then to hold on to hope unsure if it is worth the effort or not. Uncertainty and worry makes it hard to sleep through the night but I would rather live each day with a fact then stay awake with hope. That may sound like someone who has no feelings or could care less but like I said, closure for me is very important. Survivors can be involved with the disaster aftermath for months or even years, especially if they continue to live in the same village. Surviving a disaster of such devastation also means living with painful memories. Hence, survivors who have trouble coping with the reminders of the destruction choose to desolate themselves from the landscape.

These are raw hard facts weather at the end of the day we choose to accept it or not it does not change the immensity of the situation. My heart goes out to the people not so much for the dead but instead for the living, that have to go through each day with the memory deeply engraved in their hearts, images in their minds and scars on their weakened body. We will never truly understand why these horrible things happen to innocent people. Trying to find the answers is going to be a never ending search and even if answers are found it can never truly satisfy our curiosity. We must learn from the past to prepare ourselves, embrace the present as it’s an opportunity to transform a frightening event into a learning experience and brace ourselves for the future, because it remains uncertain.

Effects of pop music on Teenagers

The effects of pop music do not restrict itself solely to the young. Adults who listen to music can get influenced. Why then emphasis on teenagers? This is because they are the most influential age group that can easily be swayed. It is at this age where we are still discovering ourselves as we search for our true identity.

The lyrics to a song are written by real people who are inspired to write based on their life’s journey. As the world gets more complicated for teenagers they begin to feel entrapped in its perplexity. Relating to the lyrics of the music helps teens feel understood and accepted. The lyrics help tap into their emotions which may be reality or just an illusion. Some song, hits the nail on what we are feeling while others gives us the false pretence on our feelings towards the situation which may be detrimental. Instead of identifying the individual’s emotions they may steer a whole new set of emotions which may further complicate the situations. Adults in general are able to decipher between entertainment and cold hard facts.

If we carefully analyse the lyrics that many of the young are exposed to, some even demean the value of women. For instance, the popular pop song Like a G6 contains lyrics like, “When sober girls around me, they be actin like they drunk”. In fact, the music the teenagers listen to is often totally without quality and leads many of them into "robotism", apathy, violence and drugs.

I have briefly delineated the negativity that pop music has had on teens. Now, I would be elaborating on the positive side pop music has had to the young and to me personally.Pop music speaks to people in ways we cannot express. Stevie Wonder sang, "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...." Music is like a language, on its own.

The rhythm, beat, tune and lyrics entwined together provide speaks to us deep within our souls. The effect music has on teenagers is intangible but extraordinary. Its capabilities can only be managed through proper management of emotions. Music springs from the deepest emotions within the soul, and with or without lyrics; music conveys a message, deepest feelings and emotions. It is a world beyond our world. It is a reality, at the same time, a fantasy.

When I am angry I used to listen to heavy metal, when I am sad I would listen to slow jazz, and happy hip hop. After realising how music has an effect to my emotions, instead of allowing the music to heighten unnecessary emotions, I take control of them. Now when I am frustrated I listen to slow music to calm my nerves thus allowing me to compose myself.

In conclusion, Music can affect a teenager either ways adversely or for the better. However I have deduced that teenagers need to be taught the effects of music on teenagers and the appropriate way to deal with it through music. This does not mean that heavy metal and other fast paced music should be avoided but once the technique of effectively controlling our emotions are mastered then these music would not pose any harm.

Singapore’s Educational System

 Education involves the inculcation of knowledge, as well as the social reproduction of personalities and culture. In other words Education not only enlightens the individual’s intellect but shaping the individual as a whole. Singapore has a literacy rate of 94.4% well this fact may be a shock to you judging from the emphasis of paper qualifications for most job requirements in Singapore. A 100% literacy rate would make more sense.  Well the other 5.6% consists of the older generation who were not as privileged as we are now. Delineating how far Singapore’s education has improved. Below states Singapore’s ranking for literacy rate in the world.

Reference site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate

The Singapore government's education policy, seeks to provide every child with a well balanced and well-rounded education thus allowing them to maximise their potential. Lessons such as moral education help to nurture them into good citizens who are responsible to the family, society and environment. Physical Education on the other hand helps the child to kick start a healthy active lifestyle at a young vital age. In addition, no child is deprived from an education due to their income, cultural, religion or racial background. I would briefly like to express my views on the concern on the pressure that all this might impose to the young.

Children are sent for tuition at a younger age now than they were before.  I understand that at the younger the child is the more absorbent of the information they are but this is ridiculous grasping the world around us is enough to fill our heads at that age. Parents mean no harm as the emphasis on higher qualifications grow, anxieties within the parents grow as well. Thus, resulting in the Singaporean trait of being ‘kiasu’ I feel that the pace of globalization and increased competition in the corporate world has a chain effect on the educational system. Its effect travels right down to the child’s first day in an educational institution. Do we then still blame it on the education system in Singapore?

Well, that would be unfair right? The root idea of an educational system is to help equip the students with the knowledge to face the corporate world. So can you blame the educational system or the globalizing world for its’ hast pace? It is our jobs to seize the opportunities not wait for opportunities to come knocking at our door. Singapore has kept their eyes wide open for opportunities. Generations are going to come and go but not opportunities we need to prepare the younger generation for the future. From the looks of the world, the complexities of the problems are not going to be any easier, though technology may advance. We need to nurture ones intelligence before their maximum potential can be unleashed.  “Genius without education is like silver in the mine” expressed Benjamin Franklin.

We need to bear in mind that though change is inevitable and slowing down the pace of globalisation is almost impossible, there is always a time for everything. Cramping our heads with all that is in the textbook is not going to do any help releasing endorphin occasionally through exercise is the key to clarity I would say. Going through the educational system in Singapore becomes a little less of a pain.

Changing phase of Singapore’s Society

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/260876/1/.html

Singapore has metamorphosized from a curly caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. Singapore started off as a tiny fishing village and has revolutionised into a full fledged urbanized city. Just like a butterfly struggles to break through the cocoon Singapore has had its fair share of hurdles to overcome, before achieving what they have today.

One of the problems Singapore had to overcome was their shortage of manpower. Throughout the years Singapore has altered their immigration policy to help resolve this problem.

In the early 1900s, there was little or no immigration control what so ever. Out of 3 million people 10% were migrant workers from across the border.

In 2000 out of 4 million people 18% were migrant workers.

Currently in 2010 with the implementation of the Liberal Immigration Policy, Sinapore has seen an increase of foreign workers by 36%

Foreigners and permanent residents take up the jobs that many of the locals shun away. They also complete in the better paying job market such as the Welfare and Finance sector. In doing so they are hopefully lured to anchor themselves in Singapore thus improving our skilled labour force.  

Under the Singapore Employment Act, a foreigner must have a valid work visa to be able to work in Singapore. Today, foreign work force in Singapore is categorized into two broad groups, foreign talent and foreign workers. Foreign talent is skilled employees that have professional business or educational background, whereas foreign workers are the unskilled labour force. 

With an increased number of foreigners, the worry within Singaporeans intensifies as job vacancies, spots in educational institute’s gets more competitive. However the issue has been addressed by the Singaporean government as they have allocated a fixed number of seats for international students.

Frustration boils as many service staff is now rendered by foreign workers who either speak only in their own dialect, or in English but due to their very strong heritage deciphering the words is another battle one has to overcome and finally there is the group which have assimilated well into the society.

Employees find that foreign workers are willing to work longer hours plus they save cost as many do not as high a qualification as the. It think by forcing a minimum wage it would ensures that the labour force is utilised more efficiently as it would want to use their full moneys’ worth.  

Niche areas where they our heartland dwellers could proudly call home are now being invaded by foreigners. Our forefathers were immigrants yet they were able to fit in but why an issue of the immigrants now. Well, in my opinion what makes the difference is that Singapore wants to compete in the global arena and the increased competition contributed by the migrants are not doing any one a favour as stress levels begin to rise at an unhealthy pace. Without proper assimilation into the society everything will fall apart as competition in the global arena intensifies, cultures may clash. The government needs to foster not just tolerance but genuine integration between the locals and foreigners.

Singapore cannot stop the influx of migrants but maybe slow down the inflow. Singapore as it is has space constrain yes, reclamation of land and upward and downward extensions are viable but only to a certain extent. Recruiting the migrants at such a quick pace can be detrimental if there is not enough support services and accommodation to cater to the influx. We need to consider the ramifications before we had fully absorbed into the hype.

Lastly, though the need for migrant workers is evident especially since Singaporeans are not keen to have more children due to the high standards of living. In the process of extending our hospitality towards the foreigners we must not do it in the expense of the locals.

Changing faces of Singapore’s society

Changing faces of Singapore’s society

Singapore was just a tiny fishing village in the past but Singapore has transformed into a modern and urbanised “Garden City” city now. Kampongs of closely knitted communities are replaced by corporate buildings and HDB flats. Singaporeans now lead a stressful and fast-paced life in this ever-changing world.

Improvement in technology has resulted in a better standard of living for people living in Singapore. Slums and squatters are now HDB flats or other private housing. Better medical facilities and technology has also resulted in higher life expectancy rates and mortality rates. Singapore’s government has worked hard to remove problems faced in earlier years of independence which includes race and religious riots.

Singapore is a multi-ethnic society but we enjoy racial harmony as a result of mutual understanding and acceptance of the different race cultures and religions present in Singapore. This is also one of the reasons that attracted many foreigners to Singapore. Initially, foreigners (including foreign talents) came due to work, but eventually many settled down and build families here. Every year, the number of people becoming a permanent resident increases and some even became Singapore Citizens. Our forefathers were Eurasians, Chinese, Malays or Indians. We have Koreans, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and many others who are fellow citizens now.

Although Singapore is small in terms of land area, we are still possible targets of transnational terrorism. This threatens the peace and security people in Singapore enjoy. There were incidents where terrorist attacks happened in other parts of the world but Singaporeans were linked to the organizations. As a result, people start being wary and oversensitive towards particular racial groups. In such times, Singaporeans should be more bonded and not doubt one another. When there is trust and understanding, probability of conflicts arising decreases and peace is maintained.

I believe many years later, Singapore’s racial harmony would still be maintained and we will enjoy learning more from our diversified backgrounds.

link: Wikipedia: Singapore

Education System in Singapore

Education system in Singapore

Everyone knows the importance of an education certificate in Singapore. Or rather, every parent in Singapore would emphasise the importance of having it. Without it, how are we going to compete with other job seekers in society? Is this the purpose of education in Singapore?

In Singapore, an average child begins his/her education from nursery and kindergarten level. This is called pre-school education whereby at the end of it, children learn how to differentiate right from wrong, how to interact and socialise with others, develop interest in learning, expressing themselves and love the people around them. Most of these are actually basic but crucial social skills that go a long way in our lives.

After kindergarten, a child should go through primary school education. In fact, an average child above 6 years old but below 15 years old has to attend a national primary school as a student regularly under the Compulsory Education Act which was introduced in 2003. Therefore usually all children would at least have gone through primary education up to Primary 6 level.

In primary school, students are taught a range of subjects including languages, mathematics, sciences, art & crafts, music and social studies, so as to lay a foundation in subjects across different areas of study. Knowledge skills and character development are also main aspects of primary education whereby thought-and-process skills and life skills are developed through Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), Civics and Moral Education, National Education and Physical Education.

However, many parents are more focused on their child’s academic results instead of character development and sent their children to tuition classes, expecting their children to score full marks for tests and examinations. At the end of Primary 6, students take the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) before they can successfully graduate from Primary 6. The reason why many parents would send their child for tuition classes is the wish for their child to score well and enter a good secondary school after PSLE.

Students are posted into a secondary school based on either the Direct School Admission (DSA) or Secondary One Posting Exercise. For DSA, a secondary school selects a student based on the school’s merit-based academic and non-academic criteria. Depending on what the school emphasise on, qualities such as talent in science, music or sports, would be taken in consideration. Student that are not selected may still gain admission into a secondary school via the Secondary One Posting Exercise.

The DSA shows that not all school focus on academic results only. Besides, every Secondary School student has to take part in at least one CCA. Secondary schools focus on a more holistic education where students become more all-rounded, excelling in both academics and CCA. CCA performance is also considered for admission into post secondary education. This will encourage students to be more participative in their CCAs and learn how to strike a balance between studies and CCA.

However, the workload in secondary school curriculum is heavier as compared to primary school and students sometimes find it difficult to cope. This is especially so with long school hours and CCA after lessons, leaving students with not much time to complete assignments and have ample rest. Students take 6 to 10 subjects, depending on their school and subject combination offered. On weekends, students have to squeeze in time for project meetings amidst their usual schedule of tuition, dance, piano or other classes. I really wonder if secondary school students have enough rest before going through another long day in school.

At the end of a 4 year-Express course or 5 year-Normal course, secondary school students sit for the Cambridge O level Examinations. Based on the number of points they get for their L1R5 or L1R4, students either go on to JC, Polytechnic, Centralised Institute or the Institute of Technical Education. After which, they either get an A level certificate or a Diploma. Students may choose to go on to get a University Degree or start working.

What we see is allocation of place into an education institute based on results more often than not. Only a minority gets admitted into a school based on non-academic criteria. There is an over emphasis on getting good results throughout our education years. Countless of students would rather give CCA a miss as they see it as less important than their academic. How far can academic knowledge bring you? When one reaches society, it is the ‘soft skills’ that would matter more. How we interact with people, how we work with people, how we compromise and reach a common understanding etc.

For many students in Singapore, their education years are filled with endless tuition classes, doing homework until the wee hours, mugging for tests and examinations or even dozing off in class due to lack of sleep. I feel that the education system in Singapore creates a stressful life for its students. The expectation to excel in every subject and area not only increase competition among peers, but also the amount of stress a student would have to handle.

I hope parents would not place too much expectation on their child to the extent that getting a certificate becomes their purpose of education.

Link: MOE website

Bullies in school

Bullying in schools

In the past, whenever I see someone getting bullied or teased at, the first thing that hits me is that he or she might have done something wrong. Because I never had problems like that in my primary/secondary school days and I studied at one of the top worst secondary schools. I might not have been one of the good girls in school with straight As but neither am I a hooligan.  However I get my way through school days effortlessly, reasons? First, I avoid. Second, I know how to apologise. Third I never let myself cross their paths.

Now linking the situation back to the topic, I am thinking since we cannot stop bullying, why not preventing it from happening? Yes, of course there might still be some immature kids in school that will bully you no matter how hard you try to hide, but how about learning first, how to avoid those who won’t bully when you don’t annoy them? First, know what kind of bully you are dealing with; bullies that taunt are easier to deal with than bullies who abuse physically and without hesitation. Next, try to avoid them in school. Don't go anywhere near them, but don't show that you are dodging them. They will usually read hiding away as fear, and they will bully you more as a result. Last point to note, you cannot talk sense to an irrational person, just walk away.

Now, youngsters tease for a number of different reasons. It may be to get attention, bullying is a good way of getting negative attention, and, unluckily, for many bullies, negative attention is better than no attention. It could also be peer recognition, for cases like this the need to feel that they belong is strong, it is not unusual to see teenager teasing just because they see it as being a "cool" thing to do and it may help them feel part of a group. Lastly, it may also be the influence of media, youngster are commonly exposed to put-downs, mockery, and a lack of respect in many of the television programs and therefore their actions.

Many may not know what bullying and cause, be it long term or short term. The experience of being bullied can end up causing permanent destruction to victims. It is not necessary to be physically harmed in order to suffer lasting harm. Words and gestures are quite enough. The main wound that bullying victims suffer is damage to their self-concepts; to their personalities. Bullying is an attempt to instil fear and self-loathing. Being the repetitive target of bullying damages the ability to view oneself as a necessary, capable and effective individual. More likely that one will become increasingly vulnerable and depressed or angry or bitter. In short term one may have dangerous suicidal thoughts and feelings or depression.

Youngsters need to learn about the danger and outcomes of bullying. Parents also need to help their children deal with the rebellious state in their life. With all the love and help from their family or any one close, I believe bullying will stop someday.

Impact of Pop Music on Teens

Impact of Pop Music on Teens

“You better run run run run run…”
This is part of the lyrics from ‘Run Devil Run’ by popular Korean girl group- Girls’ Generation or So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD).

Korean pop, or Kpop, part of the Korean wave that has hit all over Asia, is getting highly popular with teens nowadays. From soothing love songs performed with powerful vocals or catchy dance songs with perfectly synchronised moves to match, Kpop has garnered many fans in the region. Even in shops, sometimes you do not hear English or Chinese pop songs being played. Instead, you hear the latest Kpop songs coming from the speakers. Among my friends, there are guys learning dance moves from SNSD, Super Junior, SHINee, 2NE1 or SS501 songs or I would hear some of them singing random lyrics from Kpop songs as well.

Many Korean artistes had undergone plastic surgery and were criticised as ‘plastic/fake’, but good looks are undeniably something that people pay attention to. However, I believe that what makes fans loyal is the effort that these artistes put into their performances. If not, why does Kpop still attract so many fans although we do not understand their language? Music is a universal language. Music is the language that connects people from all around the world. I know of friends who take up Korean language classes so as to understand what the lyrics are saying.

It is common to see teens going around with earphones over their ears, listening to pop music of course. Teens like to listen to music from different genres, depending on their mood. Music can also change the mood of the person listening to it. When we follow the lyrics or the tune, the images that the songs depict are conjured in our minds. We can be influenced by the mood of the songs and when we relate to the songs, it stirs our emotions as well. When emotionally unstable, one can play some soothing music to calm their minds and emotions. Many teenagers turn to music as a way to relieve the stress that they faced.

Pop music has many different impacts on teens. Teens might go and learn a new language just to understand the lyrics. They may spend hours learning and practising dance moves. It can also bring teenagers from all across the world with similar likings in pop music together not only bonding them together as loyal fans but also as friends sharing their thoughts and feelings with everything regarding their idols. Teens have also turned to music as a way to relax.

Next on the playlist: Snowy Wish - SNSD