Do kids really need to compete at school to succeed in life?

Late last year (2018), Singapore's Ministry of Education announced that very soon, its schools would no longer be considering marks as a measure of success in schools. Students would no longer be taking tests and exams and would not get a report card with grades and marks to compare themselves with one another. Instead, they would have discussions, homework and quizzes to replace tests and marks.

I for one think that this is a fantastic move in the right direction. I suppose this will make learning a more personally beneficial experience as it would mean you don't have to compete with friends and classmates and succumb to peer pressure. Instead, kids will now be able to focus on what they are in school for... education!

For those of you who aren't aware, Singapore has one of the best if not the best education systems in the world, yes even better that the US and the UK so there is definitely some thought that has gone into this decision.

Not many schools put a lot of emphasis on life skills like selling, social development, making life decisions etc.

I personally feel this is a great move and will position education for what it is worth in a student's life. The way the school system is designed the world over, most schools tell you to study hard, get good grades so that you can get a great job, buy a house and do the family thing. Not many schools put a lot of emphasis on life skills like selling, social development, making life decisions etc.

And it is because we are taught to conform to society, most of us do not have an entrepreneurial streak within us and wan to get a job and live like a majority of the rest of the world. Can you imagine what the world would be like if students were taught to celebrate and work on their uniqueness instead of having to conform?