I REFER to Mr Jonathan Liautrakul's article yesterday, 'No escaping that school branding'', and can understand the sentiments expressed.

I have two sons, one taking his A levels now, the other doing 'double sciences' in Secondary 3 at Catholic High School. From my observations, I agree with Mr Laiutrakul that there is pressure for them to do their best in school, finish A levels and go on to learn a professional skill at university.

My wife and I do not pressure them to struggle to stay at the top of their cohort. As long as they have put in their best effort, they have fulfilled our requirements.

Before I go further, allow me to compliment Catholic High, where my older son also studied.

The school admits many foreign students who show academic excellence. Last year, one President's Scholar was an alumnus of the school, Catholic High topped the O-level exams last year, and there is natural pressure studying at Catholic High, which admits the best in the Primary School Leaving Examination.

Although my second son did not achieve the school's expectation in Higher Chinese, it was kind to let him try it in Secondary 3, before dropping it later.

When I last met the principal, he told me he encourages parents to meet his staff during off-peak hours at the 'parents' corner' in the school canteen.

I am impressed by the character building of pupils that Catholic High undertakes, instead of just concentrating on academic results alone.

Patrick Sio

This article was first published in The Straits Times.