By Ria Chhabra
Layout by Zarah Saleem Javeed & Kalsum Harun
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore has come under scrutiny from various stakeholders, including homeschooling parents, educators and even students. As homeschooling becomes a viable alternative to traditional schooling, parents are reevaluating the relevance and impact of high-stakes exams like the PSLE on their children’s education and well-being. This article presents some reflections by homeschooling parents on their family’s learning journeys and attitudes towards the big exam.
Homeschooling has been gaining popularity worldwide as more parents seek alternative educational approaches that better suit their children’s needs and preferences. In Singapore, homeschooling is becoming increasingly recognised as a legitimate educational option, offering families flexibility and personalised learning experiences. As more parents opt for homeschooling, questions arise about the compatibility of standardised exams like the PSLE with this alternative educational model.
I am no stranger to some views about how homeschooling may cause children to develop lax behaviours and schedules without discipline or structure. However, this could be due more to the differences in learning approaches.
A recent article by Mia Huan Tan, published in 2020, showed that most homeschooling parents and families were driven by “pedagogical and ideological reasons,” which include a preference for individualised instruction, dissatisfaction with an exam-oriented education system, and the parents’ religious orientation and beliefs about bilingualism.
We can hence learn from the article’s conclusion that because parents who favour homeschooling view education as a lifelong process rather than a set of content to be mastered, their children’s learning approaches may not seem as rigorous as their school-going peers.
Homeschool Educators’ Perception of the PSLE
As a homeschooler interested in learning about the views of homeschooling parents on the necessity of the PSLE, I conducted a survey to gather their perspectives. The participants span a range of experience levels, from new homeschoolers with children aged 7-9 to more experienced homeschoolers aged 10-14. Parents with children in various grades shared their insights, highlighting the diversity of the homeschooling community and its engagement with the education system.
The survey also provided valuable perspectives on the long-term effects of alternative education. While homeschooling offers numerous benefits, including curriculum and learning environment flexibility, it also presents unique challenges for parents and students. Homeschooling parents must navigate legal requirements, curriculum choices, and socialisation opportunities to ensure a well-rounded education for their children.
From the survey, I learned that some parents believed their children should take the PSLE exams to cope with potential failure and develop resilience. One couple even considers the PSLE a necessary evil because, while it is high-stakes, it teaches children about endurance and adaptability. A long-time homeschooler shared that she looks forward to taking high-stakes exams such as the PSLE because she feels constantly challenged to step out of her comfort zone and see how far she’s come since her last major exam, which, for most homeschoolers, would have been MOE’s benchmarking exam taken at age 10.
However, the prevailing sentiment among most homeschooling parents is that the current emphasis on 12-year-olds sitting for the PSLE is unnecessary. They argue that such exams place undue pressure on students at too young an age and do not accurately reflect their abilities or potential. Parents also expressed concerns about the impact of such critical exams on their children’s mental health. The stress and anxiety associated with preparing for and taking the PSLE were seen as detrimental to their overall well-being.
Homeschooling parents emphasise the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment, prioritising mental health and emotional well-being. They aim to promote resilience and well-being in their children by fostering a positive and stress-free learning environment. One parent, in particular, Ms N, mother of one 7-year-old child with developmental and speech delays, is worried about her child in the future and whether they will be able to cope with the academic pressure of the PSLE exams.
I also interviewed school teachers and private educators as part of my research. These educators pointed out that the PSLE’s high-stakes nature could result in a “teaching to the test” approach, where teachers must focus significantly more on exam preparation than a practical and enriching curriculum.
Seeking Alternatives
In place of the PSLE, many homeschooling parents surveyed advocate for a more holistic approach to assessment that considers a child’s overall development and growth. By prioritising individualised learning experiences over standardised testing, homeschooling parents aim to cultivate a love for learning and intrinsic motivation in their children.
Without the pressure of weighty and time-intensive tests like the PSLE, their children could improve their learning capacity to learn better and more effectively. They would also have more time to explore their interests more freely. Families can then fully benefit from the flexible curriculum and environment homeschooling provides. This flexibility allows for a more personalised approach to education that caters to their children’s needs and interests. By removing the pressure of standardised testing, homeschooling parents aim to promote a growth mindset, a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed, and intrinsic motivation in their children. These parents also wish for more flexibility in the public education system so that all children can explore a broader range of subjects and versatile learning experiences.
From the Editor: By intentionally pursuing a broader and more versatile learning experience, as Ria’s survey has shown, homeschoolers have a greater latitude to develop their skills and deepen connections with family and friends. Check out the previous articles published: Avel Chua’s experience of competitive swimming Rebekah Chua’s musical, crafting and social pursuits, Ethan Lim’s stint as a national gymnast, Caylen Chew’s juggling learning and caregiving as his mom battled with cancer, and one of the homeschool community’s creative learning approaches for PSLE preparation.
Read about how homeschool mom Veil Ng, whose son Avel Chua is a swimmer, reached out to the community to offer them the experience of competitive swimming. 
Rebekah Chua’s musical, crafting and social pursuits did not get in her way of preparing for her A-level examinations, which she passed with flying colours – thanks to her family’s mindset for balancing academic aspirations with ensuring holistic well-being. 
Ethan Lim, a former homeschooler and national gymnast, transitioned easily into the tertiary education level, with a visionary outlook to execute. 
Caylen Chew’s unexpected “sabbatical” from homeschooling due to his mother’s cancer diagnosis allowed him to care for her and chart his way to enrolling in LASALLE College of the Arts. 
The community occasionally puts together creative learning approaches for the PSLE preparations that foster engagements across differing social circles.
Parents surveyed reject the notion that taking the PSLE should define a child’s intellectual capacity or ability. They believe each child is unique and should be allowed to explore their interests and educational paths. These parents emphasised the importance of nurturing a child’s curiosity and passion for learning rather than focusing solely on academic achievement. By celebrating their children’s strengths and talents, homeschooling parents aim to instil confidence and self-esteem in their children.
Parents also expressed that students should have more say in the subjects they offer for exams while taking the PSLE. Students should be allowed to nurture their interest in more varied areas of study rather than be dictated by a standardised exam. These homeschooling parents believe that empowering their children to take ownership of their learning journey would foster independence and critical thinking skills in their children.
Still, many parents I surveyed expressed doubts about whether the PSLE accurately reflects their child’s actual capacity. They believe a more tailored learning method would accurately represent their child’s potential. Parents emphasised the importance of creating a holistic assessment system that considers a child’s strengths, interests, and learning style. By embracing alternative assessment forms, such as project-based learning and portfolio evaluations, homeschooling parents aim to provide a more comprehensive and accurate reflection of their children’s abilities.
Studies beyond Singapore
We can also look at studies beyond our shores to better shape Singapore’s educational landscape.
Other studies have observed the limitations of standardised testing. A recently published study conducted in Perth to gauge teachers’ and school leaders’ opinions confirms what many of us have felt all along.
The study states, “Participants reported that testing was useful for tracking learning trends across years, but was unanimously viewed as an irrelevant tool for measuring the individual achievement of students in their schools.” (Penn, 2003)
Other studies do not directly criticise standardised testing but hit right at the heart of such an assessment method. Todd Rose, founder of the Centre for Individual Opportunity and professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has given us some groundbreaking work in educational neuroscience and individualised learning.
Through his book, “The End of Average, ” Rose emphasises that every individual is unique and should not be compared to an average standard, as it does not represent their genuine abilities or potential. His research challenges the standardised approach to education by advocating for a personalised approach and discrediting the concept of “average.”
Rose suggests that we design classrooms to the edges, referring to how cockpits are uniquely designed to fit any pilot rather than just ‘the average pilot’. His TED Talk, “The Myth of Average,” continues to spark discussions worldwide regarding the need for educational systems to adapt to individuals rather than having the individuals conform to standardised norms, making it increasingly difficult to make their own decisions later in life when it truly matters. Mrs Pika Sen, owner of Imagine If and a bespoke educationalist, embraces this philosophy. A pioneer of the first “Homeschool Away from Home” in Singapore, she is dedicated to tailoring each child’s education to their specific and individual needs rather than a more conventional, one-size-fits-all approach.
Conclusion
When asked about their ideal education and assessment system, some homeschooling parents I surveyed emphasised the importance of authenticity and individuality, while others embraced the academic nature of the PSLE exams. For parents whose children had developed a strong passion for Mathematics and Science from a young age, the PSLE exams allowed them to focus on their best-loved subjects in-depth. Others believe education should be more flexible in tailoring to their child’s unique needs and interests – without compromising standards or rigour. However, all parents desired a more flexible and inclusive education system that values creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Among these homeschooling parents are those who wish for a more equitable and empowering learning environment for all children by advocating for educational reform.
The survey highlighted the diverse perspectives of homeschooling parents on the PSLE and its impact on children’s education and well-being. Parents emphasised the importance of creating a supportive, nurturing learning environment that values individuality and promotes holistic development. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to consider these perspectives and work towards a more inclusive and flexible education system that caters to the diverse needs of all students. By embracing alternative approaches to education, homeschooling parents aim to create a brighter and more promising future for the next generation.
References
Penn, S. (2023). Uses and abuses of standardised testing: Perceptions from high-performing, socially disadvantaged schools. Issues in Educational Research, 33(1), 266-283.
Rose, T. (2016). The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World That Values Sameness. United Kingdom: HarperCollins.
Tan, M. H. (2020). Homeschooling in Singaporean Chinese families: beyond pedagogues and ideologues. Educational Studies, 46(2), 135-153.
TEDx Talks. (2013, June). The Myth of Average: Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty | Todd Rose [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBmyttcfU4