"Every school is a good school." - Discuss.
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I went to a Catholic mission primary school (my mum wanted us to have a Catholic school foundation).
On top of weekly religious classes, there was an emphasis on things like morals, values and...pronunciation (for this I am grateful!). There wasn't a huge focus on grades nor on rigid discipline, which suited me well. #iykyk
When it came time for me to go to secondary school, my dad decided it was time to put me in a strict government school - no more Catholic school cushioning. This was the 90s where PSLE grades counted for everything - no DSA then!
And so as my first choice he opted for one of the top girls' schools as my first choice. I honestly doubted making it in, but my protests at this choice fell on deaf ears.
You know, I really think putting a co-ed school (one with a terrible netball program too!) as my second choice served as a real stick for me to make it into first choice lol. I was determined to play competitive netball and so with a little bit of luck, I made it in by the skin of my teeth.
Being in these two environments made me realise the distinct differences between an average school and a "good" school. We had a lot of extra enrichment activities that were paid for. More access to better coaches and training. But most importantly, I realised I was a tiny fish now in a big pond, and it hit me how much I would have to work to be just average now. Grades were suddenly so important. I was made to feel like I could reach further, aim higher. I felt pushed to higher potentials.
These days the story isn't as simple nor left to chance. People who can afford to move to neighborhoods with "good schools" to better their chances in the Primary 1 application lottery. Affluent families can afford thousand dollar coding courses or more obscure sports to better their kid's DSA chances.
Is it fair? Is it not harder now for heartland kids like us to get into a "good school"? But this is life.
And if every school is "good", why is this still a crazy rat race in Singapore?
Especially to parents going through Primary 1 registration now, please share your thoughts!
In my own experience navigating the Singapore school system, I’ve seen how the concept of "every school being a good school" often clashes with reality. Schools may offer the same curriculum, but the resources available to students can vary significantly depending on the school's funding and the socioeconomic background of families involved. This results in very different educational experiences. Many schools with better funding from parent groups or independent status can provide additional enrichment classes, expert coaching, and extracurricular opportunities—factors that greatly enhance learning and personal development. For instance, some students get access to advanced coding classes or specialized sports training, which can give them an edge during admissions exercises like DSA. Conversely, lower-income families often struggle to afford extra tuition or enrichment activities, not from lack of desire but financial constraints. Even basics like getting sufficient support for homework or social issues can impact learning outcomes. Teachers in less affluent schools sometimes spend more time addressing these challenges, leaving less time to cover the syllabus in depth. The school you attend can thus shape your academic and social achievements beyond just the lessons taught in the classroom. It’s not just about individual ability or effort but a matter of the environment and opportunities you’re exposed to. This creates a gap that makes the rat race for certain "good schools" so intense. This isn’t a problem unique to Singapore; educational inequality is a global issue. However, the local culture of school placement, neighborhood living, and access to enrichment programs amplifies it here. For parents, especially those registering children for Primary 1, this means facing difficult choices and sometimes feeling the pressure to secure that "good school" spot. Reflecting on my school years, I realize how my parents’ decisions shaped my educational path—from a nurturing Catholic primary school focused on morals and values to a strict secondary environment emphasizing grades and competition. This contrast showed me both the advantages and pressures linked with school status. As we continue to discuss and reconsider educational policies, the goal should be to level the playing field so that all children, regardless of background, can benefit equally from quality schooling and opportunities. Equal access to enrichment programs, greater support for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and more inclusive school resources could help. Until then, the perception that "every school is a good school" remains aspirational more than factual.