Entry 10" pressure
Information that Ho Chi Minh City plans to expand the form of admission to 10th grade in some areas, instead of just applying entrance exams as at present, is receiving great attention from parents and students nationwide. In the context that many localities are trying to reduce exam pressure for students, the story of "should we move towards abolishing the 10th grade exam" once again becomes a hot topic of discussion in Hanoi - where the 10th grade public school entrance exam always has a high competition ratio every year.
Many students said that the 10th grade entrance exam is currently one of the most stressful exams throughout their student life.
With less than 2 weeks left until the 10th grade public school entrance exam in Hanoi, Chu Pham Thanh Loan - a 9A1 student at Xuan Canh Secondary School (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi) - said that during this time, she studies almost every day until late at night.
I study official courses at school all day, and in the evening I study extra math and English. Some days I finish the lesson after 12 pm. What I fear most is the high competition ratio, just a few wrong questions can lead to failing the desired school" - Thanh Loan expressed.
According to the female student, the pressure comes not only from exams but also from family expectations and competition among friends. Many students in her class have now had to reduce playing time, temporarily stop extracurricular activities to focus on exam preparation.
This exam gives me the feeling that it decides my whole future. If I was considered for admission through the learning process, it might be easier" - Thanh Loan said.
Meanwhile, Dao Nhat Long - a 11A4 student at Co Loa High School (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi) - said that he has not forgotten the feeling of stress when entering the 10th grade exam two years ago.
At that time, I was almost stressed. There were days when I didn't do well on the exam and lost sleep. Everyone around me was taking extra classes continuously, so I was also caught up" - Long recounted.
The male student believes that the 10th grade exam currently creates greater pressure than the high school graduation exam at some points because the competition rate for public schools in Hanoi is very high.
However, Long is also concerned if the exam is completely abolished. "If only considering transcripts, there may be an uneven score situation between schools. I think it is possible to combine many criteria for admission consideration" - Long shared.
Parents hope to reduce pressure but still need fairness
As a parent whose child is preparing for the 10th grade exam this year, Ms. Le Thi Thu Ha (Vinh Thanh commune, Hanoi) shared that her family has accompanied her child for many months in a dense schedule.
My child is studying under a lot of pressure, and my parents are also no less stressed. In a week, my child's extra classes are almost full. I think if we reduce or move towards abolishing the 10th grade exam, students will be much less stressed" - Ms. Ha said.
According to her, the 4-year secondary school study process has partly reflected the students' abilities, instead of just deciding by a few exam sessions. However, the parent also said that if considering admission, there needs to be a strict monitoring mechanism to avoid the situation of "embellishing academic records".
Agreeing with the view that change is needed, Ms. Chu Thi Chinh (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi) - who has accompanied her children twice in the 10th grade entrance exam - said that maintaining a highly competitive exam at the age of 15 puts many students under heavy psychological pressure.
I lean towards the option of abandoning the exam, switching to admission based on transcripts combined with appropriate criteria. But after schools receive students, it is entirely possible to organize entrance surveys to classify competencies" - Ms. Chinh proposed.
According to her, the survey should not be "re-enrollment" but only to arrange classes suitable for each student's ability.
For example, students with foreign or natural language strengths can enter suitable classes to learn their true abilities. This both reduces exam pressure and helps schools conveniently organize teaching and learning" - Ms. Chinh said.
