Regardless Of Grades: Why Are Singaporeans So Obsessed With PSLE?

I really have to compliment CNA. It is the only local channel that still remained relevant over the years. The CNA insider series is really well done indeed.

The fact that teachers segregate children based on their intelligence in a classroom and that the teachers also read out the scores in front of the entire class is really depressing. No child should be placed under so much pressure and humiliation; it's inhumane.

the most surprising part of the video is that some primary schools actually give their students chairs to sit on in the hall

there needs to be a follow up documentary (with 80s and 90s kids) on whether a fixation on external validation early in life creates happy and fulfilled adults… do they eventually become soulless automaton zombies ✨✨~alienated from the self~ ✨✨… or are they too busy projecting intergenerational academic trauma on their own kids to have a sense of self

14:49 the kid put a smile icon next to his ‘play’ time on his tight study schedule 😢 crazy to think that for some children, ‘playing / free time’ is a privilege

I am British and an ex headteacher and would like to make the following comments. In the 1990s I had a school full of quality parents like the one depicted in your programme. However, change happened. Wales, for example, scraped their final exam for 11 year olds and this was followed by an immediate reduction in PISA scores. Yes, try not to stress your children out too much over examinations yet be aware that your country is where it is because of the commitment and dedication of your entire community; don’t dumb down or you will begin to fail like the West.

This is absolutely insane to see kids so young feel the pressure of standardized tests and to prep so much. But you really can't argue with Singapore's results.

We went through PSLE ourselves too, so more or less we know how the stress can be on the next generation. I am not a parent myself but I wouldn't go crazy for my child's primary sch education. It definitely sets a foundation for our future but it does not mean the future will be set by your performance in just this exam. Rather than overemphasizing on academics I would want my child to build on his or her passion, studies will come next but a balance of play and work must be there. As adults we don't work everyday or all the time, so why should we expect kids to only study and sleep 🤣.

Diana Ser is the best person to host this as her child is also having PSLE. I think it is a good wake up call for MOE & Parents to relook into the way they handle the PSLE stress. It is a good documentary for parents to see themselves from another POV. The kids’ post PSLE feedback is very important.

I'd rather kids have self-imposed stress, but because kids are unable to see the importance of education, parents end up causing stress for their children, yet I do not believe direct rewards are sustainable and ruins character, I think self-imposed stress takes you the long way in education marathon

Its true. Less criticism, more encouragement. It will really make a long way. When we look back, we want the children to feel that they have gone through the tough times together WITH the parents and not feeling alone.

The most beautiful parent is the one who never sends her children to tuition. She is not stress at all and her kids looks happier! Facts.

25:56 the way the mother ignores her child

In the span of their lifetime, PSLE is really just a minute part….. it’s sad that these children have to be put through this. I hope that emphasis should be put on what you can still achieve in spite of your PSLE results. (Personally I did not do well in my PSLE) My partner and I decided not to live in singapore anymore because we did not want our kids to have to go through this…

While I don't hold a position to comment on Singapore's education system and culture, I appreciate their perspective. My child's educational journey in the West, characterized by a relaxed system and minimal tutoring, led to remarkable outcomes. Despite playing throughout primary and secondary school years, my child secured admission to one of our country's top universities, ranked within the global top 60. In a highly sought-after, technical course underscores his achievement. However, it raises an essential question: Is the rigor of Singapore's education system, driven by limited resources and a high student-to-resource ratio, worth the potential trade-off of a lost childhood? Western education prioritizes holistic development, critical thinking, and creativity—qualities increasingly vital in an AI-driven world with abundant information access. Educators emphasize understanding concepts over mere rote memorization, recognizing that talent and creativity cannot be manufactured. Education transcends mere numbers and accolades; it shapes hearts and minds. As parents, let's celebrate our children's growth and guide them wisely. Education isn't merely a destination; it's a constellation of moments that shape their futures.

No wonder gen Z is the most unhappy cohort and stressed out too. I recall studying for my PSLE a month prior and it was stressful but nothing like the prep these kids go through. You'd think after all these years and access to global cultures that Asian parents would have a better understanding of what it really takes to succeed in life is not book smarts.

I'm so captivated by Diana Ser's mannerism. Also, another great video by CNA Insider!

Bookstores in Singapore are closing down. The only one surviving is the one with focus on assessment books. If bookstores show off our culture, it really shows that we are an exam nation. 🤔

A very insightful episode. Full of wake up calls and parenting reflections. Well done CNA!

i love how the children shared their honest opinion, i can feel the stress they going through. anyway congratulations to all, you did yourself proud and complete those examinations.