Eager beavers: Fadhlina sharing a light moment with some preschool children during a pre-school programme in Alor Setar, Kedah. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The implementation of diagnostic tests for Year One at age six will be announced soon to ensure children are ready for this, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
“The diagnostic test is to assess whether a child is ready for Year One, including their skill level and ability to cope in the classroom at that age.
“Details of how the diagnostic test will be conducted, including the locations, will be shared later,” she said.
Fadhlina also pointed out that entering Year One at the age of six is not new, as some children are ready before the age of seven.
On infrastructure, Fadhlina said the diagnostic tests would provide data on the number of students enrolling earlier, which will help with preparations.
“The ministry is identifying schools that are ready with the necessary classrooms. If classrooms are insufficient, we are prepared to build them, using the industrialised building system (IBS), which can be completed quickly,” she told reporters at a pre-school programme in the Kedah Education Department.
The minister also said the diagnostic data on enrolment will help the ministry determine the number and placement of teachers.
“Teachers are always available, but we need to know where they are needed most. They also need to be trained in several areas to properly support children in Year One,” she said.
Fadhlina said that preparations are still ongoing, including infrastructure, teacher readiness and the diagnostic tests, which give parents the space to make informed decisions.
Criteria for entering Year One at age six will come from the diagnostic tests, which the ministry will update from time to time, focusing mostly on the child’s psychological, emotional and skill development, said Fadhlina.
“It is important for six-year-olds to go through this process, and we hope the media can help convey this. Parents should also give their commitment too.
She added that parents who prefer not to have their children tested can choose to start Year One at age seven instead.
Fadhlina also assured that students won’t face any problem in the future when they want to sit for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at the age of 16 under this new curriculum.
“Our education system consists of six years of primary and five years of secondary education. We will continue with this structure, so there will be no problems with SPM,” she said.
