Encouragement

Encouragement

To the A level candidates, especially from PRCS 4/6 2004:

This examination marks the end of your 12 years of formal education. It is the culmination and a measure of your past efforts. Your pilgrimage to elementary information acquistion and knowledge making reaches a significant milestone.

This examination is the final hurdle that stands in your way to the entrance of the university. Many of you are worried, apprehensive, and perhaps even scared. This is common. No one, not even the most prepared of candidates, can be sure that they will ace the examinations.

You have all come a long way. If I said that results were not important, I'd by lying. But remember, in this quest for knowledge, the process is as important as, if not more important than, the product. Unfortunately, the system we are in only recognises the product. Truly, a scholar (someone who pursues and makes knowledge) fails more than he succeeds. But each failure is also a learning process in itself.

Do not be cowed by the challenges ahead. Neither should you be raring to meet each hurdle head-on, like a raging bull. Instead, face each approaching task with intelligent equanimity. Do not lose your head if you are thrown off balance. Do not feel arrogant if you think you've aced the paper.

The past lessons should be drawn upon. Remember where you had fallen short in the past. Re-visit those tracks and make sure this time, you do not falter. Remember when you have done well. Re-work those sums and make sure this time, you still have it with you.

Completing the entire paper may not be always the best thing to do - humanities excepted. Above average all round scores will result in better outcomes than lopsided scores.

Write legibly and express yourself clearly. Where you are unsure, make a quick draft. Work through the sums before committing them to paper. Start each question on a fresh sheet of paper. More haste, more waste. Think clearly, copy accurately.

And remember, no matter what happens, enjoy the scenery along the way. You've come this far, so don't forget to do it. [Tackling an A level examination is likened to conquering Mount Everest - you simply try your best to reach the summit and you never take a second glance at the wonders of nature.]

The challenge is immense. You will rise up to the occasion.

Take care and good luck in whatever you do.