There has been debate in recent months about our school system and kiasu parenting.
Are these justifiable comments, given that all parents want the best for their children?
In hoping to spot talent, Singapore set up the Direct School Admission system.
Yet, are our primary schools equipped to develop the skills of the children attempting these tests?
Sadly, no, and this explains why many parents turn to costly private swimming and music lessons, for instance.
For those who cannot afford these external lessons, how are their children going to develop their talents? The next Joseph Schooling or Fandi Ahmad may thus never be discovered.
To counter this, the National Institute of Education could create a curriculum to train sportsmen nearing retirement to become certified coaches, and then incorporate them into all levels of our school system.
Similarly, for the arts, establish programmes to encourage artists and musicians to become educators, while allowing them to continue performing.
These teachers should focus on spotting and developing talent, and bringing it to the attention of national bodies. They should be compensated like other teachers, with a path to career growth and programmes to upgrade their skills.
Such programmes will cost money, but if schools have the best violin teachers or football coaches, most parents will be willing to pay the school or the Ministry of Education, instead of forking out for private lessons.
For the less fortunate, a primary school scholarship fund could be established to nurture their talents.
The media plays a vital role, too, especially in attracting corporate sponsors for budding stars.
Foo Tiang Huat
