The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, has announced that the proposed standard assessment for Year Six pupils in the state is set to begin in 2025. This coincides with the year when pupils in Sarawak’s dual language programme (DLP) for Science and Mathematics in English will reach Year Six.
The assessment will specifically focus on DLP subjects, including science, mathematics and English. The aim is to gauge the effectiveness of the DLP and other initiatives implemented to increase the uptake of STEM subjects in schools.
Plans to introduce the assessment come after the abolishment of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) in Sarawak. The state’s ministry is still in the process of deliberating on the proposed assessment, although it was assured that it will not put undue stress on the pupils, teachers, schools and parents.
Minister Sagah shared that the ministry is collaborating with officers and experts to work out the details of the assessment. Emphasis will be placed on science, mathematics and English, unlike the previous assessments which included numerous subjects. Sagah emphasized the need for some form of assessment after six years of studying in primary school to gauge the students’ abilities.
Fadhlina Sidek, the Education Minister, has expressed support for the proposal and pledged to assist in the implementation of the assessment. A committee chaired by the ministry’s permanent secretary and the state education director has also been established to oversee the process.
