No more Paper 3, students to carry out experiments individually

Source: The Star
             23 February 2015

PETALING JAYA: The practical component of science will make a comeback at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations this year, a move made in tandem with the scrapping of Paper 3 (a written test) for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Additional Science.

The move was first proposed in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025 as part of the reforms to strengthen the quality of science education in schools.

Schools were formally notified of this change via a circular issued by the Examinations Syndicate last June.

The circular, signed off by the syndicate’s then director Dr Na’imah Ishak, said the move was to “ensure that all science stream students master science process skills”.

Under this move, students will have to carry out experiments individually based on instructions given, and their marks will be reduced if the invigilator steps in to help them.

Practical science tests were carried out in SPM until 1999, when they were replaced by written tests and continuous school-based practical science assessments (Penilaian Kerja Amali Sains or Peka).

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