THE idea of education is to nurture children until they grow into different parts of the tree to support society ("Learning for life? Policies, parents need to change too"; March 19).
Some people, like the economic-minded ones, are like the trunk, while others, like those who are strong in art or music, are like the flowers.
The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) does not encourage this goal, as it seems to encourage only the academically gifted.
It skews the perceptions of children and parents to think that academic achievement is the only measure of success.
What about other talents, and students who are gifted in their own way?
After all, the purpose of education is to help students discover their own talents and contribute to society after they graduate.
As a student, I can say that exam stress does affect performance. Hence, exam results would not be an accurate gauge of a student's intellect.
While students should try to overcome their exam anxiety, the authorities should not evaluate students by just one exam.
Wong Wee Jern (Miss)
Some people, like the economic-minded ones, are like the trunk, while others, like those who are strong in art or music, are like the flowers.
The Gifted Education Programme (GEP) does not encourage this goal, as it seems to encourage only the academically gifted.
It skews the perceptions of children and parents to think that academic achievement is the only measure of success.
What about other talents, and students who are gifted in their own way?
After all, the purpose of education is to help students discover their own talents and contribute to society after they graduate.
As a student, I can say that exam stress does affect performance. Hence, exam results would not be an accurate gauge of a student's intellect.
While students should try to overcome their exam anxiety, the authorities should not evaluate students by just one exam.
Wong Wee Jern (Miss)
