Form Three Assessment starts from July 1 - Muhyiddin

The Form Three Assessment Examination which replaces the centralised Lower Secondary Evaluation (PMR) Test will begin on July 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it would begin with a case study instrument for History and Geography on July 1-18, whereby students would have to complete course work based on the topics given within the stipulated period.

Oral tests covering listening and speaking skills for Bahasa Melayu and English would be held on Aug 6-29.

In addition, the students would sit for a written test on Oct 12-17 for Bahasa Melayu, Mathmetics, Science, Islamic Studies, Intergrated Living Skills, Arabic, Chinese, Tamil, Kadazandusun and Bahasa Iban languages.

"For the first year, we are aware some quarters have yet to understand the system. We want to include higher order thinking skill in line with the expansion of education at the global level.

"As such, the early implementation method is different but will stabilise in the next several years," he told reporters after opening the Bukit Damansara Charity Carnival at the Bukit Damansara Community Centre here, Saturday.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said through PT3, students involved would be evaluated according to bands, namely, Band One for weak achievements to Band Six for excellent achievements.

This year is the first year in the implementation PT3 to replace PMR in line with the introduction of School-Based Assessment (PBS) which led to a more holistic education assessment system.

"All Form Three teachers have been trained as now they have to teach differently. We hope all quarters, specifically parents will not have doubts and give a chance for the system to be implemented," said Muhyiddin.

Commenting further, he said, in the initial stage, the Malaysian Examination Board would help schools to prepare the examination questions and the schools could select from the question banks provided to prepare examination papers.

To prevent schools from taking advantage to boost their performances, Muhyiddin said teachers and examiners from other schools would be asked to evaluate the results of PT3 of a school.

In the meantime, the deputy prime minister again stressed that the implementation of PT3 was to see the achievements of the students from the early stage, and enable weak students to be assisted to become better in the final evaluation.

"Parents can come to school at any time to see the achievements of their children," he said.

Commenting on the carnival today, Muhyiddin said it was a very good effort in fostering cooperation, unity and firm ties in a neighbourhood area.

"We can see the involvement of youths in the event today and such efforts should be supported. We will also ask City Hall to find a site for a futsal court," he said.

During the ceremony, Muhyiddin also kicked off a futsal competition which was held together with other activities such as Family Fun Bike Ride and wall climbing.