Direction of Education in the New Landscape...

During the MOE Workplan Seminar on 22 September, Minister of Education , Mr Heng Swee Keat, announced that that there will be two key emphases for the next stage of development. MOE aims to make our education system even more student-centric and there will be more focus on holistic education - centred on values and character development.

I was glad to read from the Minister's speech that he reiterated that CCAs are an integral part of education, to build character and provide holistic education. The intent of CCAs is "not to win medals per se, but to learn the value of excellence, teamwork and discipline; to be gracious in victory and resilient in defeat." I sincerely hope that all schools remember this intent well. Some of my ex-pupils did tell me about how they could only choose from certain non-competitive CCAs as those that they are interested in only accept pupils who can represent their school on a competitive level. Hence, it is heartening to hear the Minister mentioning that we should "increase our capacity to enable students to participate in recreational sports and other activities."

I also read with delight that MOE is going to remove the Sustained Achievement Awards (SAA). The rationale? It will "free up resources to allow schools to pursue achievements over a broader range of activities, in line with student-centric, holistic education."

The Minister also stated that award assessment will be conducted during the SEM external validation. Many teachers will definitely be saying, "Horray!" Gone are the days when schools need to apply for awards. This will definitely reduce the workload of teachers in preparing the paperwork so as to apply for awards. As an ex-teacher, I definitely applaud this change. This will mean that teachers can spend more time on student-centric activities instead of preparing the paperwork for the application of awards. In the past, a lot of man-hours were spent on preparing the paperwork for the application of awards. Some teachers become jaded and begin to question what their core job is. Is it to be involved in student-centric activities or to be playing the role of an administrator i.e. to prepare reports and evidence for award application?

It was also reported in the newspapers that very often, schools are seen hanging banners outside their school gates to inform the public about the awards that they have attained. Awards are given to recognise schools for their good programmes and systems. Hence, I believe that with the abovementioned change, the education system here will not become a mere chasing of awards by schools.

~ Serena's Greenhouse

Teaching from the Heart

I have always believed in the importance of doing what you believe in. Hence I have always been the strict and "no-nonsense" teacher in the eyes of my kids (pupils). I can be fun but they know that if they do not complete my homework and prepare for my tests, they will have to face my wrath.


It is heartening that after graduating, my kids will visit me and update me on their lives. Yesterday was no exception. As I have left the education service, some of them arranged to meet up with me near the school or at Jurong Point. 


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I posted my reflection after meeting up with my ex-pupils on Facebook. Here's the message.


Was really touched by all my lovely ex-pupils who met up with me or sent me an sms today even though I had left Rulang. When I see all my "kids" in Poly, JC2 or in secondary school, I really feel OLD. Many of my "kids" even waited for me patiently near the school or at Jurong Point as I was talking to the different batches. Sorry to keep you waiting and sorry for not being able to spend more time with you. I did not manage to spend much time chatting with all of you. Do keep in contact via sms, email (still the same email: venus_in_sg@yahoo.com.sg) or Facebook. Thank you, folks! I will remember the times I spent "torturing" you with PSP (for earlier batches) and my much-hated tests (for my recent batches). I am really thankful that most of you understand why I conducted those "torture" sessions. What some of you wrote in your card or what you told me reaffirmed what I believe in: Teach from the heart and your "kids" will understand why you do what you are doing one day... Thanks, everyone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After that, I read an article about teaching from the heart. I quote a sentence that I find very true during the years of teaching:

"Small wonder, then, that teaching tugs at the heart, opens the heart, even breaks the heart–and the more one loves teaching, the more heartbreaking it can be."

When pupils do not meet our expectations in terms of their attitude or behaviour, it can be heartbreaking.  This can affect our morale too. However, we must continue to believe in what we do and teach from the heart.

~ Serena's Greenhouse