Learning from Singapore

Just like Guernsey, Singapore is an island; and just like Guernsey, Singapore has a special day each year, except they call it National Day; and there the similarity ends.
 
On National Day, the Prime Minister and the Education Minister make big speeches. Both celebrate the achievements of Singapore and its residents and both set out their ideas and hopes for the future; not just the next 12 months but the next 12 years plus.
 
So I had a look on Gov.gg, our States website, for something similar; well, you never know until you look.
 
There was something from the Chief Minister in 2012; CM Trott to the Institute of Directors - Jersey branch.
 
Maybe we’re missing a trick here. Maybe it would be good for our leaders to take stock each year and show us their vision for the future of Guernsey.
 
Much has been made of the effect of poor aspirations and expectations for our secondary school pupils and what positive and measurable results can be achieved by a change of attitude. Perhaps we need our politicians to take note and up their own game. Instead of just aiming to get re-elected, aim for a better Guernsey; aim for specifics, and do so in the recognition of the money available. Give Guerns something to be proud of.
 
Note that Singapore doesn’t have every single minister or politician giving such a speech; just the two most important ones in the minds of the people. The Head of State and the Head of the Future. 

Perhaps it is this focus which has helped put Singapore near the top of international tables for education results and made such a success of their island.
 
With Guernsey’s 2012 GCSE results, our Education department have made a start; or rather, the schools and the pupils have shown their potential when given a fair crack of the whip. There is a lot still to be done. Just what, and how this will be achieved is something which perhaps our ministers can share with us.
 
How about our Chief Minister taking an interest and finding an opportunity to tell us how he will help develop an education system fit for the 21st century? Or doesn’t it work like that.
 
Can’t interfere with another chaps domain. Might be seen as being critical; might have to acknowledge the pigs ear which Education had become whilst everyone else studiously ignored the problems and thanked their lucky stars that they didn’t receive the poisoned chalice of a seat on the board or heavens forfend, the Ministerial role itself.
 
Might have to look at accountability and maybe sack a few people. 

As I recall, precedent has been set by the department itself in the sacking of a headteacher for offences far less serious than those of other people.
 
The other problem with giving such speeches is that it nails your colours to the mast and people then expect you to deliver on your words. 

So why bother? 

Keep your head firmly below the parapet and avoid commitment. 

That’s what has always made Guernsey great isn’t it?