Frankly I feel that Primary School DOES play a MAJOR part in a child's life.
Parents should not focus only on academic, but rather, on Moral values, and character-building.
And of course, as in all schools, standards tend to vary, and also, there's tend to be at least a few 'bad sheeps' here and there.
At the end of the day, I feel that Parents should be comfortable with the choice of their schools as an all-rounder (academic, moral-values, character-building etc).
That is the reason why most good schools fall into this category, and there's why the standard is higher and more difficult to get in.
Don't think enrichment class will help much, coz considering the amt of time the child spend in school (at least 6 hours a day, 30 hours a week) as compared to enrichment class (2 hours a week). The influence, and time is definitely a lot different.
Moreover to think of it, you can still influence ur child when he is in primary school. By the time they reach secondary school, peer pressure will be their number 1 influence, and parents can only stand one side and very little influence already.... I feel that's the kind of culture now.... and it may get worst in future considering how kids are getting smarter and smarter these days!