CHAPTER 1 1.0 Introduction - DSpace@UM - University of Malaya

After 1957, the schools syllabus was reviewed to make science as an important
subject. Geography and history of Malaya also became important subjects.
A review of the national education policy was carried out by a review committee led
by Abdul Rahman Talib. The major recommendations were incorporated into the
Education Act, 1961. The recommendations were accepted by the public.
The most important aspect of the recommendations of the review committee led by
Abdul Rahman Talib is universal free primary education and automatic promotion to
Form Three. The researcher feels that these recommendations may be considered as
gifts to the nation.
1.1.4 Present Educational System
In 1982 Primary School new Curiculum (KBSR) was introduced. The main emphasis
was given to the acquisition of basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic.
The aim of the KBSR is to enrich a child’s knowledge and inculcate in him positive
values, attitudes and practices, with emphasis on social and moral development.
(Narayanasamy 1995:1)
The Ministry of Education conducts Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) –
Primary School Assesment Test examinations at the end of the six years of primary
education. The students are tested in the core subjects such as Malay and English
languages and Mathematics. Pupils from the Chinese and Tamil medium schools sit
for the Mandarian and Tamil papers respectively. The remove class is for pupils from
the national-type primary schools. Pupils who do very well in the UPSR examinations
can go straight to Form 1 class. These pupils are given an extra year to study before
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