Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Singapore education system evolves around the premise that every student has unique aptitudes and interests. It adopts a flexible approach to allow students to develop their potential to the fullest.

Yes, there are people who criticise that the system is rigid but to those who think that it has failed to teach values to our students, I beg to differ. These people are probably seeing things from one perspective and do not realise that there is no single education system in the world that is flawless and produce the perfect individuals.

The fact that our education system has been recognised at a world-class level speaks a lot. On what basis do critics make their judgment? We have a strong education system. Singapore students aim high and they achieve very good results. We have good schools and capable school leaders and teachers, and facilities which are amongst the best in the world. We are building on these strengths as we prepare the next generation of Singaporeans for the future.

However, in the system, it is no longer the truth that it only focuses on academic results. If this is what you feel, then I see you as a person still living in primitive Singapore. Our future brings tremendous opportunities but it will also bring many changes that are unforeseen today. Not only do our schools and institutions develop the skills of our young, we also give them the chance to develop the character and values that will enable them to continue to do well and to take Singapore forward in this future.

Instead of finding out what schools do to provide students with greater choice to meet their different interests and ways of learning, critics (particularly some of the ignorant civilians) blame the teachers and ultimately the system for producing some of the unsuccessful output. Teachers are not saints. We need to produce a holistically nurtured student with the help of our stakeholders, who are the parents, community, etc. It is a joke when some see 'education' as something which is anchored only by the teaching professionals.

As far as possible, we have integrated programmes that help students to choose what and how they will learn. This has encouraged them to take a greater ownership in their learning. Not only that, CIP, SKM and other non-academic activities have also taken their place in the education system. They are no longer seen as 'extra' initiatives in the curriculum but are incorporated into all subjects wherever possible. It is not about producing 100% all-rounders, but as much as possible, we want to nurture our young with the different skills that they need in the future. Every child is unique, and their learning capacities varied. It will be a tall story if I claim that our education system is flawless and will produce students who understand the 'true meanings of life'.

Similarly, to question that our Singapore education system has failed is simply too narrow-minded a thought.

Posted by Buzz and Mulan at 8:21 PM

Thursday, December 24, 2009

I think i owe Mr See a lot o things. If only time can go back, i will try to make things work again.

Posted by Buzz and Mulan at 8:49 PM

I recall in Stephen Chow's Journey to the West movie, Spider Spirit went into Monkey God's heart to ask whether he truely loved her. Back to 'reality', if I were to pry open my heart n ask myself what I really want, I doubt it can answer me.
I just underwent another major turn in life. Many factors were at play and I just wanted to move forward alone, so I made the decision without any deeper thought..
Since i've decided, there should be no turning back for me. I don't even want to think that any happy ending would be for me. I shall work hard for my career. It's my only future now.
I still love him. He who made the stronger me now. I still cry over the broken relationship and I dare to admit. Before my taiwan trip, we met up. I guess it was the trigger to what happened after that. I found my long lost happiness when he was around me but i've lost the courage to tell him how much I still care for him. Silly me. He would never come back.

Posted by Buzz and Mulan at 6:40 PM

Sunday, December 20, 2009

This is just one of the many things.
If I caught u scratching the inner side of your ears, digging your nose and disposing the dirty particles from your fingers as you like, you are out of my life. I would think there are a lot more dirty habits which I can't stand. How about cleaning your dusty and untidy bedroom for a start?

Posted by Buzz and Mulan at 9:58 AM

Thursday, December 10, 2009

I'm getting a little bit tired. Someone or something is getting onto my nerves.
I enjoy relaxing during this precious December I have every year. Sleep, bridge, shop, read, travel are things I like to do nowadays.
If possible, all other people or things that are irrelevant to me during this period should get out of my sight. Thank you. Give me the time I need.

Posted by Buzz and Mulan at 11:32 PM

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Sitting at Delifrance alone, I start to feel cold and lonely now.
I'm waiting to meet my friends at a bbq gathering. This is going to be the last time I'm going to see one of the girls as a single lady. She is getting hitched next month.
I still remember the four of us were close friends after JC and during university. Now as one is getting married, another is going to be a mother soon.
It is quite depressing to know that everyone else is happy except me. I've lost the man who I love after almost 3 years of indulgence in happiness. Since then, all my relationships were unsuccessful, all because I couldn't get myself over him.
Yesterday, a friend asked if I'm scared that I would lose my value of an attractive lady if I were to continue remain single. Hmmm, Yes was my answer. I can't help but to think that my life has made a huge downturn ever since that incident. I don't want to hate him anymore. Maybe I am just not destined to have a true love.
I finally come to realise, after more than a year of unhappiness, I'm actually suffering from depression.