Hong Kong’s focus on exam scores is not in children’s best interest
I am responding to the letter from Chelsea Luo, “When will Hong Kong teach that life is not all about money and marks?” (April 14).
The thinking in the Hong Kong education system is that, the more marks you get, the better impression you make on people. The number of teenagers attending tutorial centres has increased in recent years but most of these classes focus on getting good marks, instead of gaining knowledge, as a higher exam score is seen as the ticket to a good career and comfortable life.
Because of the exam-oriented Hong Kong system, pupils are spoon-fed learning material by teachers. Students have little time to explore topics that are not directly related to exams and many extracurricular interests are sacrificed.
Moreover, parents prioritise schoolwork above all else and push their children to attain the highest scores. I have heard parents yelling at children, and even calling them names in public, when the youngsters fail to live up to their expectations. It is high time the government re-examined the education system, as it is creating a deeply utilitarian society.
Alma Tsui, Kwai Chung