When we are talking about good schools, are we referring to the schools’ (1) teachers, (2) facilities, (3) programmes or (4) students?

If we are referring to just aspect (1), yes, I would agree that all schools here are good schools, in the sense that most of the teachers are qualified, experienced and dedicated to their profession.

But if we are talking about facilities and programmes, we know that some schools get more funding and more autonomy in deciding their curriculum. We can see with our own eyes that some school complexes are physically much bigger and in some schools nearly all or all of the classrooms are air-conditioned, which really makes learning more comfortable. We also know for sure that some schools provide more CCA options and have a greater variety of enrichment activities. So with respect to (2) and (3), it’s kind of a stretch to say that every school here is a “good” school.

Through the PSLE system and streaming, we have created elite schools and ‘neighbourhood’ schools. Do you think students in these two kinds of schools perform and behave in classrooms the same way? Many of my family members, in-laws and relatives are teachers or ex-teachers. We meet at least once a year, often sharing stories of what goes on in the schools. The result? Suffice to say that I will not send my children to certain schools. Because of this, it will be against my conscience to say that every school in Singapore is a good school.

It is a good and noble aim, to make every school in Singapore a good school. But to achieve results, it has to be done sincerely and with a strong will, because teachers, parents and students can see for themselves what actually happens in the schools. How schools are viewed by parents and prospective students cannot be changed by oral persuasion alone.

Ilyasa