I am replying to the article “Bring back centralised exams” by Liong Kam Chong (StarEdu Dec 15, 2024). I strongly believe school assessments in lieu of centralised exams are better for our students. The abolishment of the UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) and PT3 (Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3) are a move in the right direction.
Having to sit for centralised exams in Year Six, Form Three and again in Form Five, is pressuring for students. Often it is about passing the exams rather than exposing students to knowledge and letting them choose their areas of interest to pursue.
Even in the United States, there is only one centralised exam, namely the SAT, for students to take to enroll into universities and colleges. All the exams at primary and high school levels are set and graded by the schools themselves.
This ensures that schools have the authority and autonomy to assess their students.
While centralised exams for those in Form Five is needed to provide a benchmark for those going to universities or colleges, I hope we can all give more time and trust to the new school assessment system to bear fruit.
We have been relying on our teachers to teach our children, why not let them assess our children as well.
MOHD AZIDI KAMARUDDIN
Seremban
