KUCHING: The new school term, which starts tomorrow, will see an increase in the number of schools and classes at pre-school, primary and secondary schools in the state.
State Education director Datu Abdillah Adam said the addition of 26 classes this year will bring the overall number of pre-school classes to 1,408 at 1,079 primary schools and two secondary schools in the state.
This figure, however, does not include the 15 pre-school classes at four teachers teaching institute, four classes at religious schools (sekolah agama) and four classes at special education schools.
“The early childhood education facility will be beneficial to 28,350 children between four to six years old with the provisions of 1,408 teachers and 1,408 child management assistants,” he said in a press statement.
For the primary education, there will be two additional primary schools namely SK Tegulang and SK Metalun in Belaga, bringing the total number of operating primary schools to 1,265 this year.
This figure comprised of 1,032 national schools, 221 national-type schools, eight government-assisted religious schools and four special education national schools.
“The enrolment of students from primary one to six in Sarawak this year is 249,209 students, of which 42,328 students are expected to their formal education of primary one today (Jan 2).”
Meanwhile, for secondary education, there will be 186 secondary schools operating, including one new secondary school – SMK Sri Matang.
Of the total, 162 are national schools, four bestari secondary schools, two government-assisted religious schools, seven religious secondary schools, one technic secondary school, six vocational colleges, three boarding schools and one Malaysian art school.
“The total number of student enrolment at national secondary schools is 216,205, which also includes 1,241 students from special education integrated programme classes.”
Abdillah also noted that around 3,539 primary six students will undergo the transition class while 43,988 will be starting Form One this year.
“A total of 26,799 teachers will be serving at primary schools, whereas 15,520 teachers will be based at secondary schools.
“With the plans that have been set this year, the State Education Department is committed in ensuring that what has been planned will be achieved successfully.”