Jamus Lim and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing debate the feasibility of bypassing the PSLE
In a recent Parliamentary session, Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) proposed a “Flexible Through-Train Program for Schools,” designed to support students who experience stress with standardized tests. The program would allow parents to opt their children out of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), delaying their first major examination until Secondary 4.
Responding to the proposal on March 1, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the program’s intentions but pointed out significant implementation challenges. On March 10, Assoc. Prof. Lim posted a video of Mr. Chan’s response on Facebook, inviting the public to consider the Education Minister’s objections. He suggested a possible trial in a smaller, less popular school to evaluate the viability of the program, adding that globally, exams at such a young age are relatively uncommon.
The Sengkang GRC MP emphasized that academic progress varies among students. “Some kids progress rapidly and assertively, while others may be late bloomers, finding their stride later on,” he wrote. He questioned whether the PSLE, a high-stakes exam, might harm the confidence of students who are still very young.
The proposal has garnered support from other MPs. Denise Phua (PAP, Jalan Besar GRC) advocated for the Ministry of Education to explore through-train programs alongside other alternative models. Additionally, Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa has called for the PSLE to be abolished altogether to alleviate student stress.
