Low morale in Lower Six
Refer from The Star Online Sunday October 18, 2009
I refer to the letter “Unfair Treament for Lower Six’’ (
StarEducation, Sept 27), I totally agree with the writer’s statement
Not only are the students disatisfied with this new system, the teachers are unhappy. They could not write in as they could risk losing their jobs. Almost every teacher I have spoken to, too, did not agree with this new system.
The new system requires students to stay back after school until 3.30pm for activities. I found out from the teachers that this batch (2009/2010) was used to try out the suitability of the semester-based system to be implemented in schools in the future.
It has been about one month since the implementation of the “semester-based system” in the majority of schools in Malaysia. I would like to write and express my disappointment about the new system.
Unfortunately for us, our exams are still not semester-based. STPM is seen as one of the world’s toughest exams by many people around the world as the syllabus covers a broad range of subjects with one major exam at the end of it all.
But forcing us to stay back after school will deprive us of the chance to revise our lessons.
Many of us would be too tired after coming back from school and just hop on to the bed into dreamland even if they wish to study.
The new system is a complete waste of time. The extra time that we are required to put in in school is used for nonsensical activities such as colouring posters, singing songs, doing sketches, preparing presentations, doing research and development (R&D) and etc.
Honestly speaking, we could do our own R&D on the Internet as not everything could be gained from the books. The Upper Six students told us, “Internet is our best friend” as they found numerous new information on the Net without staying back after school.
What about our co-curriculum marks? We were told that 10% of the overall criteria to enter local universities is from our involvement in co-curricular activities.
Before this new system was implemented, we all could go for our co-curricular activities. With the new system in place, we are forced to stay back and could not involve ourself in such activities as the timing will clash with us as most activities are held after school.
I am an avid blogger and having visited a few of my friends’ blogs, I found that none of us like the new system one bit. Not only are the ones with blogs dissatisfied, my friends who do not have Internet access are complaining about it in school.
The same could be said about my friends from other schools. Few of my friends who choose Form Six over college education said they might be leaving school next year. The reason they came to Form Six was to experience school life.
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The implementation of the new system is indeed a good “surprise” to all the lower six students. Just frankly speaking, does an extension to 3.30 pm will make us better? It seems to be the other way round!
Many students are not opt for form 6 due to its standard is high, which is one of the hardest exam in the world. The number of students studying form 6 has plummeted markedly these few years. Just a simple question : why form 6 which is of high standard is dying?
I would fervently hope that they would reconsider the decision so that old system remains. It will not gain anybody. Everybody will suffer a loss. Teacher may also opt for not teaching form 6 due to the extension of more than 2 hours. Then, this will only further deteriorates the form 6 standard.
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Refer from Sunday, October 25 2009
Too tired to tackle studies
There is nothing attractive and vibrant about extra work when the school schedule barely leaves us enough time to complete school work and our studies.
Bad planning, long hours, tired teachers and students. You can imagine the morale in Form Six in such circumstances. The setting up of the college is part of the Education Ministry’s plan to “radically transform Form Six studies and take into account the higher thinking, analytical and evaluation skills necessary to excel in the STPM.”
Wake up! The new system brings nothing but stress and red tape.
If the ministry remains adamant about making the system permanent, do something about the existing loopholes at least. Take a leaf out of our neighbouring country’s “A’ levels college system: good planning.
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In conclusion, please, please and please reconsider the decision and change back to normal. I really hope that form 6 will not become a history sooner or later.
