Singaporean Mum in Netherlands: Daughter 'played all day' but qualified for her dream school |
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By Karen Lees-Tang I am glad we escaped Singapore’s education system, and more critically, the draconian Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). I have often witnessed firsthand Singaporean parents’ infinitesimal stresses and worries, them quitting their jobs altogether just to help their children prepare for the PSLE, not forgetting sacrificing an arm and leg just to pay for multiple tuition classes that in turn strained relations with the young ones. In the Netherlands, they don’t make examinations a big deal. No one prepares for them, neither do most folks attend tuition (it is even being frowned upon here); children are graded not just based on their results, but also their attitudes and aptitudes in class. After seeing how much effort both parents and kids in Singapore channel into academic pursuits, it does make me feel somewhat guilty. Many a time, I question if I am doing enough. However, I have come to appreciate the Dutch way of doing things. Kids here are thoroughly interested/invested in actual learning, which itself isn't hampered by rote memorization or examination pressures. Consequently, they become more independent as well as innately inquisitive. They don’t regurgitate spoon-fed information. They problem solve and think for themselves. They are confident and take charge of their learning. What a privilege it has been to raise my kids here in Netherlands, to be able to step back, see the bigger picture and change the way we learn/ teach. Sometimes, less is indeed more. This first appeared as a post on the Instagram page of Karen Lees-Tang's Mandarin Tree Chinese School on 7 December 2025. Do join in the discussion over there if you have thoughts to share. |
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