Of Nightmares, PSLE scores and 'A' Levels

I found this on a boys' school's website, and I thought it was especially meaningful. It's a message from the Principal.

" Another reason I take time to share this is that I want to urge all parents to remember that the PSLE score is used for placement of children into secondary schools. It is not a reflection of their ability or their self-worth. Neither is it a reflection of you as a parent. It is my belief that as parents and teachers, we are stewards of the ones that God has given us. Growing up as a teenager will be challenging enough without having to bear the burden of struggling to live up to imposed expectations. I want for each and every student to strive to be the best that he can be, because that is what he wants to be – an educated gentleman who is God-fearing and growing in the grace of God. Furthermore, I believe each one is where God wants him to be, because He knows the plans He has for us in order to prosper us. Let’s look to celebrate your son’s/ward’s years of learning and growing."

I've edited out some parts to leave the name of the school private. but I like it's sentiment. that PSLE scores are only used for placement. It is NOT a reflection of a child's ability or self worth, nor is it a reflection of their parents. For that matter, by the same token, the "O" Levels scores are used for placement in Junior Colleges, Polytechnics, ITE, etc and the "A" levels are used for placement into Universities. In fact, if I may say so, I personally believe surviving the "A" levels is a bigger achievement than pulling through some modules or some courses in some Universities around the world.

I wish my parents had heard this message and put it into practice all those years ago. Maybe it would have saved me the trauma of having nightmares which haunt me to this day. The most recent one was in December 2009, I still woke up thinking I had to go for a Maths "A" level exam, and I had forgotten most of the formulae! I wonder how happy my mum and dad would be to know that 17 years later after my "A" levels in 1994, it still traumatizes me. Last December, in the midst of a HOLIDAY, I woke up in shock from the nightmare! -- I'm so messed up... sigh..