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For instance, Xavier, a Primary 5 student, admits that his parents scold him for bad grades and push him to perform better, often comparing him with friends. Despite being overwhelmed by long tuition schedules and the pressure to excel, these children find little solace—most associate their self-worth heavily with their test scores.
The Historical Perspective: From Past to Present
Interestingly, the documentary traces the origins of the PSLE back to the 1960s, highlighting how the exam was initially designed to promote equality among different language streams and democratize access to secondary education. Back then, students didn’t experience the current levels of stress; the focus was more on equal opportunity rather than relentless competition.