Dear Education Minister,

Today, I read that you wish to get input from all sources concerning SPM core subjects. This is a good, transparent signal that you earnestly wish to weigh all points and come to a clear view of improving the education system in our nation. This is too serious a matter to be left in a limbo.

We are dealing with children of today and leaders of tomorrow. As I was a teacher for twenty years, I am very concerned that we move in the right direction for the well-being of the nation and its school-going children. I hereby humbly submit my views on the subject-matter.

(A) 5 core and 5 elective subjects for general and pure science classes.

Instead of four, I would suggest 5 core subjects to accommodate Pure Science classes.

(a) GENERAL Class (b) PURE SCIENCE Class

1. Bahasa Malaysia 1. Bahasa Malaysia

2. English Language 2. English Language

3. General Science 3. Chemistry

4. Mathematics 4. Physics/ Biology

5. Literature - Malay, 5. Additional Mathematics

English, Chinese, Tamil

___________________________________________________

Elective subjects

6. History

7. Geography

8. Art

9. Biology/Physics

10. Health Care/Hygiene ( This is too important to be left out in the school syllabus)

11. Religious Knowledge - Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, other religions (This should replace Moral Education even at the primary school level).

12. Music - piano, violin, harmonica or guitar classes.

B. Marking Scheme and Grades and Certificates

Grades : Marks

A+ : 91- 100

A : 86- 90

A- : 81- 85

B+ : 76- 80

B : 71- 75

B- : 66- 70

C+ : 61-65

C : 56- 60

C- : 51- 55

D : 46-50

E : 40-45 ( Pass )

F : 39 and below (fail)

Please note:

i. I would like to suggest that this scheme of marks be used for all primary and secondary schools. This is to ensure that all pupils and students will know the standard required to attain certain grades. This will have an impact on them throughout their school career.

ii. This is also to standardise the scheme throughout the whole country; and all children will know the score.

iii. No adding of marks to get better percentages for any school! This is a test of integrity.

iv. Retain the earlier system of first, second and third divisions for certificates.

Division 1 : up to 20 points

Division 2 : 21- 30 points

Division 3 : 31- 36 points.

The divisions will be determined by the best six subjects ( 5 core subjects plus 1 elective subject). If you prefer to take in all the 10 Subjects (the maximum counted ), it should be alright.

The purpose of having divisions is to encourage students to fight for the top division. The open certificate does not encourage that (just like in football - the English Premier League. In tennis, only the top 8 qualify to for the masters tournament. If there is no competition, there is no fun!)

C. Extramural activities

All children should choose (a) one physical and (b) One non-physical activity in school.

(a) Physical activities - Football, hockey, badminton, tennis, sepak takraw, etc

(b) Non-Physical activities - join societies such as the School Debating Team, Chess, Geographical Society, History Society, Stamp-Collecting, Coin-Collecting, etc

Objectives of (a) and (b) above:

(i) To get an all-rounded personality

(ii) To instill an ‘esprit de corp' in the children

(iii) To encourage leadership qualities.

(iv) To gain physical strength through exercises (avoid obesity, to strengthen body, etc).

D. Scholarship Guidelines

State clear guidelines for scholarships. The easiest methodology is to base the measurement on the 10 subjects. If there is a tiw, then consider the extra-mural activities as the tie-breaker.

E. Have only one STPM entry qualification: 5 core subjects and points scored for general or science stream. State clearly the minimum points required for entry into STPM - no questions asked.

This is transparent with no arguments and no mess-up. If a student does not meet the minimum qualification, no entry. Period. If a student meets the required standard, he/she is automatically admitted. Again, no questions asked.

Ii. One entry to local university for all students. All students, without exception, take the STPM (or a Cambridge A-Level equivalent). Abolish the matriculation entry. STPM and matriculation are totally different standards (STPM, 2 years, matriculation one; are they the same? They are not).