Actually I don't like that post. It shows a bad side of the Normal stream students, like how they blog with a primary 5 standard of thinking though the guy is 16. And I know normal students are not like that, there are many of them who are actually rather clever.

And I feel that is the reason why he's in the Normal stream, not because he's not capable of achieving the grades RI kids get, but because he's level of thinking is different from that of an RI student.

Basically, I don't want to be mean, but it's a little too honest for me for an O level student.

The points he makes in his post are fine. It's the bad English that turns me off, because it sounds fake and pretentiously self-deprecating.

I think the poor expressions are typical with secondary school students when they blog online. It might be pretentious, but it is not self-deprecating or anything close. If anything, it is probably to sound "cool."

Ah, SMS English.... I must be getting old (and obsolete). ;-)

Its a problem that plagues many students over here. Their command of the language is weak, making it difficult for them to express themselves or engage in critical expression.

But at least this kid is trying. And for me, any effort to raise oneself from one's station in life is commendable.

Take heart, Zi Ming. Do not compare yourself with others. Just as water finds its own level, I always encourage my students to find their own level too. They will want to bring up the level for their own sake. eg. At the begining of the year, your writing ability is at this level; by mid year, through self motivation by reading and writing, you will bring your level higher. If you keep comparing yourself to others you will always be discontented because there will always be others above you; and you will become proud because there will always be others who are lesser than you.

Just to encourage you I had never passed a single Maths and Science paper throughout high school. Yet I won the best prize for poetry by international students in Canada. I defeated my English professors in Scrabble. My first public speaking attempt in Sec. 2 ended disastrously because I could not proceed beyond "Ladies and Gentlemen"! Yet, today, I have won champion awards in humorous, international and table topics contests in toastmasters' clubs. Still I have much more to learn from the masters, and will always try to attend every workshop and seminar on public speaking.

What you will be in future will be determined by how you make the most of your circumstances. It is important to always keep learning, be excited by things and events around you; not to be afraid of making mistakes and always keeping a happy and positive attitude. Life is not about falling down; it is about how you pick yourself up after each fall. I am sure there must be something you are good at eg. drawing, designing, cooking, hair styling, singing, playing an instrument, etc. .... develop that skill to the best of your ability....and be happy.

Some classic examples of Permanent Residents and Singaporeans who did not make it in school but who are very successful in later life - David Gan, Ng Teng Fong, Dr. Dennis Wee, etc. Others who never let hardship and circumstances deter them from their dreams - the well known Olivia Lum and Sim Wong Hoo. You can look upon them as role models, Zi Ming.

well different ppl excel in different stuff.... i used to be a normal technical student, but i mange to earn a degree in computer science.... what does this tell u?? the system in SG in rigid and more academic based.....

therefore young kids growing into the adult world would find the path hard as they have peer pressure as well as expectations of parents.....

i ean its ur life, live for urself and not others.... :D :D

Mi is not me. That isn't even some sort of SMS abbreviation. If he can't even get that right, he's not going to pass his English paper.

The way he wrote his blog, and with the amount of spelling mistake, how is he going to pass his english papers?

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least you not having trouble in school teacher zi ming.
LOOK AT ME!
So troubled.Never seem to be happy any day.
Well zi ming its ok

If I were the education czar, I’d give group comparisons benign neglect for awhile, and push toward all students reaching at least a basic level of competence.