LABUAN: Sixty-six students scored 5A’s and five students scored 7A’s in this year’s Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) on the island.
One of the 5A’s students, Gayle Mak said her success was due to her effort and her teachers’ guidance, and support from family.
“My teachers gave me a lot of motivation other than giving us study activities including practice and other school activities,” she said.
Gayle, a pupil at SRK St. Anne’s Convent, also wrote her UPSR’s target at her bedroom’s wall.
“I dream of becoming a scientist for I am interested in science subjects and admiring my science teachers who inspired me to be a scientist,” she said.
Gayle who likes to read books especially schoolbooks or textbooks also reminds future UPSR candidates to not give up in their studies and to believe in themselves.
Another female pupil, Zoe Moh Ker Xin, of SRJK (C) Chi Wen obtained straight 7A’s in her UPSR.
She said before taking her examination papers, she would pray for help.
“I prayed every time so that I would succeed in my examination plus working hard.
“My parents also were there to support me and I am inspired by my brother, who also scored 7A’s in UPSR back in 2007. He had also studied at my school,” said Zoe whose dream is become a scientist.
When asked why she chose scientist as her ambition, she replied that she intended to create new things and was also inspired by the Wright Brothers who managed to invent the first aircraft.
Zoe also likes reading books such as a book series written by Nancy Drew.
For SK Sungai Bedaun’s top pupil, Tavis Mawat Anak Dunggat, he attributed his success for scoring 5A’s to support from parents, teachers and friends.
“To study is important to succeed. I always do some revision at home on subjects taught at school.
“I spend two hours of my time each day to study,” said Tavis Mawat who also likes to read English books written by Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew.
Like Gayle and Zoe, he also dreams of becoming a scientist, while he advised future UPSR candidates to spend more time in studying for success.
For Claurintia Mackriss, a 5A’s pupil from SK Rancha-Rancha, she attributed her success to the study programmes organised by her school and her sister’s help who is currently studying at Sekolah Menengah Sains Labuan (SMSL).
“…Not forgetting my teachers, friends and family members who supported me. Actually, I am not learning much from the textbooks, but paying attention to the teachers in class,” said Claurintia who is also a school prefect.
She too aspires to be a scientist for she admires Datuk Dr Sheikh Muzaffar for being the first astronaut in the country.
She also reminded other pupils to pay attention to teachers in class, advice from parents and that they should not give up easily in their pursuit of knowledge.
Meanwhile, SK Bukit Kalam’s 5A’s pupil Aina Balqis Abdullah concurred with the other straight As achievers, saying that her success was due to support from her teachers and parents plus her love for reading.
“One hour before I sleep, I study. What I learned then would be absorbed into my mind and sleep. God willing, I would still remember what I read or learned the next morning.
“My mother motivated me a lot to study hard,” said Aina who read books written by Enid Blyton, Jonathan Swift and Anna Sewell.
Aina who wants to become a successful pilot, advised other UPSR pupils to study hard and read books.
Aina was also the winner of the national-level “Tokoh Nilam 2011” award.