By allowing these students five years to prepare for the O levels in the Normal stream, streaming ensures that more students will be able to benefit from the education system to as high a level as possible. There is also flexibility in the system, such as a parental option after the Primary 4 streaming, in which parents have the final say and can opt for a more demanding stream than the school's recommendation for their child, and lateral transfers between streams for students who show that they are capable of doing well in a more demanding one. The well-being of our children is of utmost importance, and we strive to provide them with the opportunities to achieve their full potential. Streaming allows us to cater to differing needs. What we need to work on as a community is to reduce the stigma that is associated with less popular streams and programmes.
Stress often comes from a mismatch between expectations and achievement.
Parents can have a very positive influence on the stress levels of their children if they understand their children's potential and limits, and work closely with schools to encourage and support them. Education is our investment in the future. It is a venture in which schools, parents and the community work together to create opportunities for all to be the best that they can be. For the whole of last year, my daughter was required to go for remedial lessons to prepare for the Primary 4 streaming examination. I opted for her not to attend these lessons, but her form teacher made several calls to me and insisted that she attend.