Almost from the start of the new school year, many schools start preparing these groups of pupils for the upcoming exams by conducting remedial classes from Mondays to Fridays, as well as supplementary classes on Saturdays. Parents should not always be blamed for the additional stress suffered by schoolchildren when certain schools do not inform parents by letter that such classes are optional. And even if such a letter was sent, some parents may opt for the classes as they believe that the teachers know best. Take the case of my neighbour's daughter, who was in Primary 6 last year. When last year's PSLE results were released recently, the pupils in her class who attended additional classes for the most part of the holidays did not do as well as those from other classes which did not hold such lessons.
Excessive classes are counter-productive and make pupils feel inadequate.
Schools should be able to cover the entire syllabus given by MOE for all standards within the alloted timeframe. And if they are unable to do so, or the syllabus is overwhelming, then the teachers and principals should speak up. But please do not pass additional stress to our children. MOE needs to set up rules and regulations on the number of hours and the criteria of selection for remedial classes and other supplementary lessons. For example, Saturdays should be used only for co-curricular activities.