PETALING JAYA – Sarawak is creating its own assessment system, similar to the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination, for Year 6 pupils in all government schools in the state.
Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee said this was crucial in determining whether the pupil should be placed in the Science or Arts streams, reported The Borneo Post.
“This is the only way for us to know a pupil’s true performance,” he told reporters after officiating at the International Education Research and Innovation Conference 2023 (iCERI2023) in the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Tun Abdul Razak Campus in Kota Samarahan.
He said it would be challenging for a pupil if he or she were to be randomly placed in streams they were not familiar with.
“Let the federal government stick to its policy, but at the same time, let the state carry out its own assessment system,” he said.
He also said his ministry had yet to receive any action plan related to the new 2027 school curriculum development by the federal Education Ministry (MoE).
“I believe the federal government is conducting surveys to gather public feedback,” he said.
Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had said that despite requests from certain stakeholders, the MoE has no plans to revive the UPSR examination.
Instead, she said the focus was on the curriculum for 2027 through roadshows or tours to gather feedback on the new school curriculum.
“The new curriculum is aimed at strengthening the education system for the future.
“Parents should now assist the ministry and provide their feedback to help us focus on a holistic assessment of our children, especially their overall development,” she had said. – The Vibes, November 1, 2023
