Editorial: Grades should never the be-all and end-all

Two weeks ago, local media broke the tragic news of an 11-year-old boy’s suicide, a Primary Five pupil who jumped 17 storeys to his death in May after receiving less than satisfactory grades for his mid-year examinations.

The boy knew his results a few days before he died, but told his mother he had gotten average grades.

He was supposed to bring his papers home on the day he jumped from his bedroom window, reports said.

According to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), a total of 27 young people between the ages of 10-19 killed themselves in 2015, twice the number from this age-group as compared to the previous year.

The most common stressors cited by troubled youth who have contacted SOS services include mental health issues, relationship problems at home and in school, as well as academic pressure.

In the pressure-cooker environment of Singapore, grades usually reign supreme — regardless of whether one is in primary school or university.

The equation is simple for many. Good grades ensure spots in prestigious schools, and these schools promise the allure of better education opportunities and a better shot at that dream job.

In the rat-race to the top, some fall into the trap of being overly competitive, comparing ourselves with others. This creates more stress, and disappointments take a toll mentally.

Rather than stowing these feelings away, confiding in friends can sometimes help. We can also all do our bit in recognising the signs of friends struggling to cope with academic pressures.

The University has also acknowledged the importance of reaching out to students struggling with these disappointments.

The Student Wellbeing Centre organises talks, counselling sessions and workshops for students and staff. During the examination periods, emails are also sent to students, reminding them to take care of themselves while studying.

Other educational institutions have also realised the importance of reducing academic stress on students by allowing them to explore new subjects. For instance, the National University of Singapore (NUS) implemented a grade-free first year, allowing freshmen to decide whether to include grades for up to eight modules.

But, ultimately, the onus lies on us. While grades are certainly important and we should certainly be trying our best, let us make an effort to look out for one another.

Finally, we should also remind ourselves that good grades, though important, ought not to come at the price of sacrificing our mental health.