The exam, being held this month, will comprise of five constructs and test applicants’ intellect and adaptability to determine whether they fulfil the criteria for entry into the 69 residential schools (known as SBPs) nationwide.
The implementation of the Primary School Assessment Report (PSAR) was announced by the ministry on November 22 with components like academics, sports and co-curriculum, psychometric and classroom assessment being corresponding methods of assessment for primary school pupils.
The Primary School Achievement Test (also known as Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah – or UPSR) was one of the components assessed.
However, according to the Malaysian Education Ministry's Fully Residential and Excellent Schools Management Division deputy director, Aidie Jantan, the same system would be adopted for SBP entrance, as other factors would be considered prior to enrolment.
This, said Aidie, gives students more opportunities to excel in a multitude of areas – not just academics.
“The entrance exam is parallel to the paradigm shift the ministry is bringing to our education system. If we remain too exam-oriented, the application of soft skills would not take place,” Aidie told New Straits Times.
Of the exam’s five constructs, two focus on intellectual capability and general knowledge, and three will gauge a pupil’s suitability for boarding schools. The other constructs measure emotional quotient, soft skills and spiritual quotient.
“The three constructs will see if a student is independent, if he can live in a boarding school community, how he reacts to shared space, how he interacts with those around him and others,” Aidie said.
“The exam is in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint [2013-2025], which aims to produce students who are knowledgeable, ethical, spiritual and have leadership skills.”
The entrance exam, comprising 50 multiple-choice questions, was held from Thursday to Friday this week at 155 examination centres.
A total of 58,130 applicants this year will vie for 9,555 places with results to be announced in the SBP portal on December 29.