Parents should look beyond cut-off points for secondary schools: Heng Swee Keat

Parents choosing a secondary school for their 12-year-olds should focus on factors beyond the school's cut-off point, and consider the learning environment most suitable for their child, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Sunday.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is Mr Heng's Facebook post in full:

Know your child. Understand what suits him. Give him the environment that will bring out the best in him. 

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This is what I’ve been seeing and hearing from parents and friends, and I fully agree with you. I am deeply encouraged by the way that many parents think first about what is best for our children.

Now that the PSLE results are out, I’m sure many parents and their P6 children are discussing which secondary school to choose. The secondary school years are important developmental years – the students are entering the early teenage years when they will undergo many physical, social and emotional developments. It is good to have an open talk with your children to know what type of secondary school they are interested in, that will help them to thrive, learn and grow – not just academically, but holistically. I am sure you want your child to grow up not just to excel in their studies, but to be confident and well-rounded, with good character and sound values.Some parents choose a school based on the previous year’s cut-off-point, or COP, in the belief that the higher the COP, the more competitive the school, and hence, the better it is. Several parents have told me that they felt that the higher the COP, the more likely their children can get As in the exams. But remember, academic grade is only one aspect, and even then, how well your child does depends on how motivated he is. I encourage parents to carefully consider the kind of environment that will best motivate your children, and enable them to develop themselves fully in the next 4 to 5 years. Is your child naturally competitive and will he thrive in a school where others are academically stronger and spur him to do better? Or is your child more likely to shine in a place where he is amongst peers, and he can grow at his own pace and develop other qualities without having to devote all his time to just study? Some children are late developers and the right environment helps them thrive. Think of how best you can help your child develop confidence, and enjoy the space to discover his talents and passions. 

So I strongly suggest that parents consider factors beyond the COP. For example, whether the school’s learning environment is one that you and your child like. And whether your child is interested in the programmes and niches offered by the school. Consider a school that is reasonably close to your home so that your child need not spend too much time travelling, and you can have more family time together. Fast forward a few years and imagine your child looking back and saying, “I made my best friends at this school, I learnt how to get along with others, I found my interests in this school, I discovered what I truly care about at this school.” Now, what does this school look like? Discover that together with your children.

Whichever school you choose, I hope parents and children alike are very excited about the next stage to come. For my young friends who will not be going to secondary school, you can try again, or you can enrol at Assumption Pathway School or NorthLight School. Both are very good schools that have made a big impact on its students. I understand, with friends talking about which secondary school they want to go to next, you may feel discouraged. You shouldn’t. You will also go on to make friends, discover things, make a difference to people around you. I want you to believe in yourself and keep doing your best – show the world what you’ve got!

The next few years will be a wonderful time when our children will make friendships to last a lifetime and build a path towards their future. I hope it is a path filled with light and joy – for our children and their loving parents. I am committed to make sure Every School is A Good School and to develop all our students to the fullest so that they may have happy and successful lives.

I hope everyone is having a happy weekend!