KUALA LUMPUR: AS the education system evolves into a less exam-oriented one, fully residential schools (SBP) will do the same by introducing a new entrance exam that will see students selected based on individual aptitude, aside from academic strength.
The SBP entrance exam held this month will determine if applicants fulfil the criteria for entry into the 69 SBPs nationwide.
The exam, comprising five constructs, will test applicants’ intellect and adaptability.
The Education Ministry’s Fully Residential and Excellent Schools Management Division deputy director Aidie Jantan told the New Sunday Times that preparations for the exam had been set in motion since the middle of the year, and the announcement of the Primary School Assessment Report (PSAR) made it all the more fitting.
The implementation of PSAR was announced by the ministry on Nov 22 with components like academics, sports and co-curriculum, psychometric and classroom assessment being corresponding methods of assessment for primary school pupils.
Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) was one of the components assessed.
The same system would be adopted for SBP entrance, said Aidie, as other factors would be considered prior to enrolment.
This, he said, gave students more opportunities to excel in a multitude of areas, not just academics.
“The entrance exam is parallel to the paradigm shift the ministry is bringing to our education system. If we remain too exam-oriented, the application of soft skills would not take place.”
Of the entrance exam’s five constructs, two focuse on intellectual capability and general knowledge, and three will gauge a pupil’s suitability for boarding schools.
The other constructs measure emotional quotient, soft skills and spiritual quotient.
“The three constructs will see if a student is independent, if he can live in a boarding school community, how he reacts to shared space, how he interacts with those around him and others. The exam is in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025), which aims to produce students who are knowledgeable, ethical, spiritual and have leadership skills.”
SBPs are looking to mould students who have global competitiveness and strengths that go beyond books.
This, Aidie said, was the notion behind the implementation of PSAR.
“SBP enrolment requirements give us the chance to assess students based on different components. This means we do not only get academically-inclined students, but also those who have leadership skills, are active and have more to them than just brains.”
The entrance exam, comprising 50 multiple-choice questions, will be held from tomorrow to Friday at 155 examination centres.
A total of 58,130 applicants this year will vie for 9,555 places with results to be announced in the SBP portal on Dec 29.
To keep the exam individualised, it is likely that candidates will not be given the exact same set of questions.
Aidie said although UPSR was no longer a main assessment criterion, applicants were required to have a minimum achievement of no E grades to apply for SBP.
He said other than UPSR and the entrance exam, candidates’ physical activities, sports and co-curriculum, as well as classroom assessment in PSAR would be reviewed for enrolment into SBP.
“With all these changes, what we can assure is that the quality of SBPs will not be compromised. Parents need not worry about dwindling quality.
“Even if it has changed, it will be for the better. My hope is that we will continue producing holistic students who can contribute to the country in the future.”