I am a mother who faced challenged from Singapore Education System. My boy is 16 years old and is currently in the top school taking his GCSE end this year.

Thankful to the educational system of Singapore which I have called them Terriorists who do not reason, unwilling to negotiable according to situation and act of murder without hesitation.
Beginning of this year, my boy was abandoned by the Singapore Education due he his mobile was left in his pocket during his ‘O’ level exam due to nervousness. He was 15 then.

Investigation has been done by the authority and proven that there is no intention of abuse of phone and an official medical certification was issued by one of the Singapore top psychiatric supporting my son’s complete innocence.

My son was rejected to continue pursue his study though after various attempt of appeals by the authority ; a reason was given ‘We have a system to follow’.

All devoted parents will know – this kind of situation will be too much for a 15 years old boy to handle in a sudden situation like this. Even adult being terminated from a workplace, rejected by his familiar society circle and recognition are unbearable to endure especially where fairness are left undone.

There are only 2 consequences – either this setback sparks him to excel or destroy him mentally.

It was God Blessed during the moment of desper where there is nowhere to turn to, the Principal of the top school taken trust in him and granted him a vacancy towards International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme. Indeed his horizon has widen with new explosure on his favoured Pure Biology & Pure Chemistry which he was denied during his Secondary time when his ‘Art’ Project failed. He took this opportunity to excel in not only in study and managed to position at 2nd place this mid year but also gearing towards his personality building by serving the school gaining him the opportunity to be chosen as one of the potential candidate for 2012 Scholar.

At this vital point of his education path, as a mother, I wish he could further enhance learning through a place which is able to show him the Greatness of Life. In this area, which to me, Singapore has failed even to a level of basic understanding what education is about. A system with the high authority who is interested only in achieving the ‘system’ and has forgotten their oath as an educator to hold human caring and consideration as fundamental values in nurturing our young generation ; what kind of life will our children see through the teaching of such a system which is unable to see the value of education, not saying to teach the value of life…

I am not of high education background and currently are confused with the appropriate planning of sending my son to Finland – Amran, could you help by giving me a little advice? if you have a child like mine and wish to send him to Finland, which will you choose (a) finish GCSE & complete another 2 years of IB Dip before sending him to finland University (b) finish GCSE & complete 2 years of GCE A then proceed to Finland or (c) Send him over now and start ‘Polytechnic??’ (unsure where should his starting point actually?)

Lastly, please allow me to send my sincere condolences to the parents of Darryle Tan, same age as my son, being expelled from school system this beginning of 2011. Darryle has committed suicide in June 2011 and many said he shown no sign of suicide. When I read the news 2 months ago, I knew that could be my son.

Thanks to Hwa Chong Intl School for given the trust to my son and would like to encourage all youth who are trapped in this situation – always remember this – making mistake is simple a gift for us to grow wiser – just make sure don’t do it twice. There will be system penelizing you for this ; not that the fault lies on you so badly, just tahat they have no capacity to grow with you. There are skies which are big enough for your huge wings to spread and fly. Do not abandon yourselve just because of inadequate of others. You are meant for the Greatest – because you are one of the few warriors who have the courage to achieve the impossible !

(This will be linked posted to Channel News Asia – for the sake of our young souls)

hi! I am a mother for a Singaporean daughter, I have hope for my daughter future just like the rest of the parents. I have been following resources evolve on education for children and happened to be on your blog when i do research about Finland Education.

I appreciate this blog! It gives me different perspective of education system especially in Singapore and definitely can support my mission to help my daughter pursue her education.

Thank you so much.