9A student Joanne Ang Su Fern (right) hugs her friend Shannen Leong. — Bernama photo
GEORGE TOWN: The number of students obtaining all A in the form three assessment (PT3) test in Penang is less compared to the Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR).
The drop was due to the short preparation time, as well as challenges in answering the questions not only in the oral form but also the ability to think at a high level.
The PT3 test, to replace the PMR, started on July 1 was part of the improvements made to the School-based Assessment System (PBS).
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Jambul, head Noorzela Abu Bakar said six of 183 students obtained excellent results.
She said the number of students who obtained all As had dropped compared to the last PMR but she was satisfied at the spirit of the students who did not give up despite the short preparation time.
The number of students who obtained all As was less because PT3 was a new format in evaluating students and 40 per cent of questions tested their thinking skills, Noorzela told reporters here, yesterday.
Noorzela said PT3 was a good move in turning out a young generation with a high level of thinking, and prompting them to think outside the box.
Outstanding student, Y Edwin who obtained 9As, admitted that PT3 was more challenging compared to PMR because students not only answered questions but their oratory skills were also tested, and the questions were more subjective in nature.
“Oratory tests were held for the first time for form three students and the questions were also very challenging and encouraged high level thinking skills,” said Edwin who aspired to be an engineer.
Fiennee Loo who obtained 4A and 5B said, although she failed to get all A, but she was satisfied with her achievement despite the short preparation.
“We were only given three months to prepare and the challenge of this test was its different format and the questions which were subjective in nature such as in the universities,” she said.
She said, although challenging, PT3 was a positive step to ensure youths could think at a high and creative level, but it should start in form three so that the students would be more prepared. — Bernama