Scrap the CCTs.

I disagree with the idea of removing Common Class Tests (CCTs). Although it apparently reduces pressure on students, more side-effects will be created. On the whole, these disadvantages weigh out the advantages of the whole idea.

By scrapping the CCTs, there would be less to study for towards the end of each term. For example, usually two to three CCTs are held from week eight to week ten each term, and any of the major subjects would be tested on. Moreover, since many performance tasks earlier handed out are due during the same period, students would find themselves rushing for time to complete all these assignments and make adequate preparations for the CCTs. With the removal of the CCTs, more time can be spent on the assignments and any additional minor tests which may be held. More study time would allow for a more relaxed life and probably, better grades.

However, should CCTs be removed, how would a student know his grasp of the topic so far? Without the CCTs, he would not know how to improve either. There was once when a student managed to do well in the tests held in term one, but as he progressed into the year, his scores started dropping, so much so that he almost failed his End-of-Year Examinations (EOYs). The reason for CCTs is to ensure that students are keeping their standards consistent and are prepared for major tests like the EOYs and O-level examinations. It is a common misconception of students that CCTs are evil – rather I believe they are being kind in gearing us up for the tougher times ahead.

Moreover, the Continual Assessment (CA) portion of the entire year would be spread out amongst its components less evenly. Currently, the CCTs take up a whopping thirty-five percent of the CA, with performance tasks, day-to-day assessments and so on making up the rest of the CA. With the huge chunk of CCTs removed, more emphasis would be placed on the other components, making the minor ones major. A performance task would be worth its weight in gold. Making a small mistake reduces the CA mark drastically. Hence, this defeats the purpose of scrapping the CCTs in the first place, which is to reduce the pressure placed on students. Students need to work harder for the smallest test so that they do not return the examiner too many marks.

All in all, with the scrapping of the CCTs, it is all the more pressurizing for the students. Fewer examinations, less indications for improvement, higher risks of losing marks, worse grades. Why scrap the CCTs? Why make yourself work even harder? Why allow more chances for missing the mark?

Scrap the CCTs, and there goes the 4.0.