Weng Sam: Form Six is a process that will not only help you discover your potential, but also allow you to grow as a person.
I REMEMBER how lost I had felt when deciding where to continue my studies after completing my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Various universities and online educational talks reached out to students like me, offering to “help us”. By the end of each session, however, I still found myself nowhere closer to picking a pathway out of the many choices available.
Back then, I had a huge fear of the unknown and I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to pursue.
When I learned that my SPM results were not good enough to secure a spot in the matriculation programme, I enrolled in a local Form Six institution.
Other than having to face the reality of my SPM results, which affected my self-esteem, I had to deal with the misconceptions about Form Six studies.
“I heard Form Six is very hard. Are you sure about this?”, “You can’t even perform well in your SPM. What makes you think you can do well in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations?” – these were among the comments I had to put up with.
Looking back, I am grateful for not letting the naysayers overwhelm me.
Recognised as equivalent to the A-Levels since 1982, the STPM is a pre-university qualification that is accepted by universities worldwide. Since 2012, the modular system has replaced the previous terminal system, which means that students are required to complete coursework and sit for the final examination at the end of each of the three semesters, all of which make up their STPM results.
This is a departure from the previous practice that saw students just undertaking one major examination at the end of their Form Six studies.
Students can also retake their papers for the first and second semesters, if they are not satisfied with their results.
While determined to do my best, I found myself actually enjoying the whole process. I adopted new and effective study methods to cope with my workload, participated actively in various extracurricular activities and made lots of new friends along the way.
As the classes were small in size, our teachers were able to focus more on us while equipping us with skills and knowledge that prepared us for our tertiary studies.
During this time, I developed a passion for the subjects I undertook, especially Biology and General Studies. I also learned how to complete assignments, write lab reports and give presentations like how undergraduates do in universities.
By the end of each semester, I was grateful to see my grades improve and my hard work pay off.
So, is Form Six hard? Is it worth it? Essentially, it is a process that will not only help you discover your potential, but also allow you to grow as a person.Here are five tips for coping with your Form Six studies:
1. Plan and prioritise
You will not only be tasked with homework, but also assignments, presentations and monthly quizzes before sitting for your examinations.
Prioritising what you need to do is the best way to prevent yourself from having burnouts. Never procrastinate as you will find yourself struggling to catch up on your workload and revisions. Most of the contents are heavy, hence cramming all that knowledge a few days before the examinations could affect your mental and physical health, and overall performance.
2. Read voraciously
This is one of the crucial factors in doing well in General Studies, as the subject requires students to be aware of political, social and economic issues facing the nation as well as the world.
Relying on textbooks is simply not enough to obtain up-to-date information, so you will need to read the daily newspapers, educational magazines, online articles and the like.
3. Step out of your comfort zone
If you usually shy away from attention and avoid taking on leadership roles, it is time for you to step up.
Extracurricular activities are just as important as academic results in landing you a spot in university or, better yet, obtaining scholarships.
Actively organising and participating in activities is one of the avenues in which you could show your dedication as a well-rounded student.
4. Learn from mistakes
Failing can be a hard pill to swallow for some, but you should never let the fear of failing stop you from learning. Do not hesitate to raise questions whenever you are in doubt.
Asking questions will enhance your understanding and help you retain what you have learned better. That way, you will be able to easily recall your knowledge of the topic.
5. Explore study techniques
You can try out various study methods to make your learning journey enjoyable and productive. The common techniques that I use often are the “active recall” method and the Feynman Technique. When it comes to self-discipline, the Pomodoro Technique is how I motivate myself to study when I don’t feel like it. Find yourself the method which suits you the most.
In sum, set clear goals for yourself and take concrete steps towards achieving them. Never let any setback deter or distract you from living your life with purpose.
Weng Sam, 20, a student in Pahang, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
Now that you have read the article, test your understanding by carrying out the following English language activities.
1. What options do students have after completing their SPM examinations? With your activity partner, present the options in the form of a mind map. Then, discuss the pathway you are most likely to pursue.
2. Do you use the same approach as Weng Sam in coping with your studies? What are two other tips you can share with your partner?
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
