a very delayed post - term 1 week 4

What kind of advise can we give our students? And how do we know whether are we giving them the 'correct' advise?

the above questions actually set me pondering. Pondering what kind of advise to give to my ex-students and how do we know set them on the 'correct' path in life?

if you notice, the word CORRECT is being quoted.
What we may think is 'correct or right' for them, may not be what they, the students think. Not what their parents think. Not what other teachers think. And of course, not what their friends think.

2 ex-students recently called me up and told me that they are thinking of applying for the NAFA-MOE music programme. For an instant, i was shock, in disbelief, which turned to happiness and after which, came the WHY.

Why was I in shock?
- I didnt think that my ex-students will be choosing and considering this path to take

Why was I in disbelief?
- I refused to believe that they would want to consider taking this path, and they are NOT the first few ex-students of mine to go along this route.
- An ex-student who graduated 2 years back, who took O-level music in 2008. She was one of the top students in our school who took 10 subjects. If I am not wrong, I think she was the only student that I know who took 10 subjects. She had the opportunity to go to a top JC in the east, but she went to NAFA to pursue music. And why did she choose to do that? When I asked her, she gave me a very practical piece of advise. Her main reason? Traveling to the school in the east will take up too much of her time and she believe that it can be put to much better use.
- another student dropped O-level music at the end of her sec 3, but she went on to pursue the NAFA-MOE music programme after her Olevels.

Why was I happy?
- They were my 3rd batch of students whom I taught music to. It was not a easy journey, but it was something very memorable.

and the most important question, is WHY?

after i gotten over my shock, my next question to the two of them was WHY?
1. Why do you want to take up this path?
2. What are the risks of going along this path?
3. Are you ready to be bonded for the next 9 years of your life?
4. What will you do if you are not selected for the scheme?
5. How will you deal with the students when you become a teacher?
6. Are you sure that you will not break your bond?
7. Will you be interested in pursuing a degree in future?
8. Have you spoken to other students who have chosen this path?
9. How will you react if you need to teach an additional subject when you are posted out to the schools?
10. Why do you not want to continue your education in the JC?
11. Have you spoken to other teachers? (to the ex-student who was from another school in the same cluster)
12. What did your parents say?


There were many other questions that i threw at them over the phone, and which i expected them to answer me on the spot.

My main concern as a teacher, or as a capacity of a ex-teacher (since i do not teach them anymore) is, AM I GIVING THEM THE CORRECT ADVISE?

Are they ready to commit the next 9 years of their lives?

Their interview was on the 31st Jan.

I wished them the very best, and of course, I hope that they know what they will be in for.


Fast forward to the 8th Feb., they needed me urgently to fill up a testimonial form for them by Friday, the 11th. They needed this form urgently as MOE is trying to arrange for their NAFA music audition.

Keeping my fingers, hands & legs crossed *feeling very stress for them too*