Primary School Higher Chinese: Opt In or Out

We are not in a SAP primary school and Higher Mother Tongue is only offered in Primary Five based on the child's results. The school will not only consider a child's results in Chinese but also his/her results for the rest of the subjects too. 

By my standards, Ewan has met and exceeded my expectations of him with all his subjects falling between AL1 and AL3. Like I always remind him, I am a prouder mom for Great Attitude and Best Efforts. If his best is only at a certain level outside AL1 to AL3, I'd still be happy for him. Because hey, Attitude is more than Results for me. And I must say he doesn't have the best attitude. It can be so trying and exhausting sometimes with the negativity and lack of confidence.

Primary School Higher Chinese: To Take or Not To Take?

I thought this is an important topic to thread on since most of us are going through the same process and that majority of parents probably want to tell people, "Oh... not last paper yet. Still got Higher Chinese." It sounds like a proud moment ay? Cause "Wow! Overachiever!" Yet... was this decision made for the child?  Be it a planted idea, a bribe, an encouragement or blatant "This decision is final. You do it. It's good for you."

As a mother, I did deliberate between taking it up or turning it down. After all, is my child old enough to make a decision such as this? 

I realised after having a chat with his Chinese teacher that it isn't just about Results too. It also isn't just a decision to be made by parents alone. It greatly involves the child's character.

Most importantly, 

1) Is my child going to suffer mentally from taking Higher Chinese? 

2) Is his character cut out for extra hard work?

3) Will it affect his other subjects?

4) Is he going to be happy?

5) What does he want?

The interest of a child is of paramount importance. 

I am so grateful for his Chinese teacher because I hear genuine concern about my child's happiness should he take on the extra subject. He took the time to speak to the kids and advised them to discuss this seriously with us parents. If they do not want to take on Higher Chinese, explain with maturity and respect to put across their opinions and proposals. He reminded them again, "You are already 10. This decision should be a joint decision. So take the time to discuss."

We both agree that Ewan clearly shows signs of disinterest. He doesn't really take his daily work with pride and his number one priority is always, "When is Recess?!" It doesn't matter to him if he is untidy with his writings, if he has corrections to do. He just want to 快快做完 [finish his work quick].

Do I try all I can to have him pay attention to his work? Yes.

Do I expect him to change into someone he isn't? No.

Do I understand he is a child and he wants to play? Absolutely Yes.

I know he thinks how his Badminton Time or Rest Time will be compromised should he take on another subject. There is blatant truth in it! In fact, I feel sad for him as a parent to take away the Loves of His Life. The extra effort doesn't just come from staying back after school. It involves me tutoring him and if I am not up to it, it would translate to a lot more tuition. 

Oh that's the last thing I want for my children. Don't tell me your children look forward to attending academic classes outside school because I don't believe it. 

This subject is definitely out of his character. It'll make him miserable.

Fact sharing, should going to a SAP Secondary School be utmost priority, a child can still be offered Higher Mother Tongue in Secondary School without having to do it at PSLE. 

Don't take my word for it. Further information can be found in this MOE website.

I heard moms of kids who did extremely well for HCL in Primary School telling me that they feel it is a very unnecessary walk in Primary School. Their children's childhood were really take away from them considerably much.

I also heard from moms whose kids took up HCL that they are taking it at stride and it's not a big deal at all. What's a little bit of hard work? Children need to build up their resilience.

"What am I missing here?" my husband asked. "Why is everyone so pushy about getting their children to take up Higher Chinese? The extra advantage to go to a good school? If your child is at that level, there will be no fear of any competition. If your child isn't at that level, why push for it and hope he can be someone he isn't? Is my child doomed for life if he does not take this extra Higher Chinese? I seriously doubt it."

Ewan is a sweet talker. 

Ewan is a good leader. 

Ewan makes people laugh!

Ewan is a great encourager.

Ewan is a very good friend. 

Ewan feeds on adrenaline.

Do we want a chirpy upbeat kid for the rest of his upper primary life? Or do we want to push him to his full potential against his wishes?

I want a Happy Ewan who takes on life with wide-eyed wonder. 

Because we put his opinions ahead of mine, we will not consider Higher Chinese in Primary Five.

So hear this Ewan, your parents have got your back and we are always listening. Don't ever think otherwise of us because we do care about your feelings. Look ahead! Look at everything bright and positive! Because Life is too Short to Wallow in Misery.

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