Education beyond classroom

Around the world, we often see classrooms filled with students who are busy preparing for tests rather than preparing for life. Nobody is to blame because it is how the system has evolved over time.

The other day, my youngest son, currently in Grade 4, told me he was terrified of going to Grade 5 next year.

I tried to understand his fears and realised that he was afraid because in Grade 5, they must go through examinations and different tests, unlike the previous years where passing was based on activities and less intense studies.

I immediately calmed him down, assuring him there was nothing to worry about. I told him that Grade 5 is just like the previous stages he had been through, but he refused to believe me, claiming his teacher had warned him of intense moments ahead.

Perhaps it is time we pause and rethink what learning truly means.

Education is not about memorising and being tested, but about how we can use what we have learned to understand the world around us.

Thinking clearly, caring, sharing and kindness are lessons that are not tested in school but deeply define who we are and play a significant role in shaping who we become as people.

I am not saying academic excellence is not important, but the future demands more than that.

Education should be more than just passing examinations or collecting certificates; it should be viewed as a lifelong process.

The fear of failure has quietly become a part of the modern classroom, shaping how young people perceive learning.

This story is similar worldwide, with students feeling weighed down by the expectations of parents, teachers, and society.

Learning does not end when school does; in fact, it continues in workplaces, homes, relationships, and in the daily choices we make.

Education was never meant to frighten but to inspire students to think and act well.

It should encourage them to create and explore without the fear of making mistakes, but with openness to curiosity and resilience. When guided with understanding instead of fear or pressure, students discover confidence.

I strongly recommend that parents and teachers work hand in hand to balance the importance of examinations.

While examinations will always be a part of education, they should not define a child’s ability, identity, or future. We should celebrate the efforts, not just the achievements.