Find the responses from school leaders on the latest issues here!
Issues brought up in Town Hall
Academic Workload & Assessment
Students raised concerns about having a heavy workload and difficulty balancing homework with other commitments. Many students feel that assignments and homework take up a significant amount of their time, especially when they are also involved in CCAs, leadership roles and other activities. As students progress to higher levels, the amount and difficulty of schoolwork also increases. Some students suggested reducing the amount of homework so that they have more time to rest and manage their other responsibilities. This shows that the concern is not simply about having too much work, but also about whether students have enough time to maintain a healthy balance between school and their personal lives.
Assessments being too close together
Students expressed concerns about tests, weighted assessments and assignments being scheduled too close together. Tests and assignments were one of the most commonly highlighted academic difficulties, with around 78.6% of students selecting this area. Some students also mentioned having multiple assessments within a short period, which can make it difficult to prepare adequately for each subject. When several assessments happen close together, students may feel pressured to constantly study for the next test. A more balanced assessment schedule could reduce unnecessary stress while still maintaining academic standards.
Students raised concerns about having insufficient time to revise before major examinations. Some students felt that they needed more time to complete the syllabus and properly prepare for their examinations. This concern is especially significant for students facing important national examinations, as they may be unsure whether they have enough time to revise all the necessary content. Students also wanted clearer preparation and revision support before examinations. Providing more structured revision periods and ensuring that students have sufficient time to prepare could help them feel more confident and reduce last-minute academic pressure.
Academic Support & Preparation
More remedial lessons and teacher consultation
Students expressed a desire for more remedial lessons and opportunities to consult teachers when they are struggling with a topic. Some students feel that they need additional explanations or guidance beyond regular lessons to fully understand certain concepts. Small-group remedial lessons and revision workshops could provide more targeted support for students who need it. Students may also benefit from having more opportunities to clarify doubts before major assessments. This would allow students to address their weaknesses earlier instead of waiting until examination periods. More accessible academic support could therefore help students feel more prepared and confident.
Students expressed interest in having more support to prepare for major examinations. Suggestions included O-Level preparation talks, senior sharing sessions and workshops on examination strategies. Students may benefit from hearing directly from seniors who have recently experienced the same examinations and can share practical advice. Stress-management workshops could also help students understand how to cope with pressure during examination periods. These initiatives would provide students with practical strategies rather than simply encouraging them to study harder. Better preparation could help students feel less uncertain about what to expect and how to manage their revision.
School Facilities, Food & Daily School Experience
Students raised concerns about canteen food being expensive compared with the portions provided. Since students rely on the canteen for food during the school day, pricing and portion sizes directly affect their daily school experience. Some students feel that the value of the food could be improved. This issue is particularly important because food is a basic daily necessity rather than an occasional purchase. Reviewing food prices and portion sizes could help ensure that students have access to affordable and sufficient meals. Improving value for money could also increase students' satisfaction with the canteen.
Short and crowded recess periods
Students raised concerns about recess and lunch periods being too short and crowded. When many classes finish at similar times, the canteen can become overcrowded, resulting in long queues. Students may then spend much of their break waiting for food instead of eating, resting or interacting with friends. This can be especially inconvenient when students have limited time before their next lesson. Possible solutions could include better crowd management or adjusting the timing of breaks. Improving the flow of students during recess could make the daily school experience more comfortable and efficient.