By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, when informed that the postponed 2021 SPM examinations would include Fridays and Sundays in March 2022, voiced his opinion on the dates concerned.
He said: “In analysing the 2022 term break (25 Feb – 20 March), and school reopening on 21 March 2021, we can see that:
(1) SPM exam from 2-20 March was specifically scheduled during term break before the school students return to school.
(2) SPM exam (Written) has been compressed to 19 days instead of being spread out for 4-5 weeks as in past years before the pandemic.
(3) From the schedules of Catholic mission schools in Kuching, February 2022 is for (Practical) exams:
(a) 8-10 Feb – SPM Paper 3 BM speaking test (Oral).
(b) 15 Feb – SPM Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Practical).
(c) 19 Feb – SPM Listening Test for BM and English for all students (Listening).
(d) 22-24 Feb – SPM English Speaking test (Oral one by one).”
In view of this timetable, Archbishop Simon Poh agrees that the SPM (Written) exam can only be held in March 2022, after the completion of all the practical exams in February 2022. Hence the reason to compress all written exams from 2-20 March, to enable schools to reopen for other students by 21 March 2022.
He acknowledged that although both Fridays and Sundays, traditionally excluded because of practical and pastoral reasons, and are now included because of this shortened period, it is good to note that the subjects on Sundays are elective subjects and not major papers.
Support for SPM 2021 Examination Timetable
Archbishop Simon opined the practicality of this “well-thought through schedule in view of the pandemic.” He does not wish the fact that Fridays and Sundays have been included to become a “religious issue” and has issued a letter to all Catholic mission schools to take note of his views.
Furthermore, he felt that scheduling the exams during school breaks would not disrupt other non-exam classes as in previous years, when students had to have their classes cancelled and replaced with Saturday sessions because of classroom shortage for SPM exams.
The shortened timetable should be a psychological boost for these students, after having to deal with an uncertain and unhealthy prolonged delay of three months. Although some teachers may have to sacrifice their school break, it should be seen as for the common good of the students.
“I welcome this bold move from the Education Department in view of the scheduling of the exam during the school break so as to minimise disruption to the academic schedule (that has already been badly disrupted because of COVID-19). It is good if the above clarification can be presented by the Education department to dispel any misinterpretation of putting exams on Fridays or Sundays.
“Personally, I support this well-thought through schedule in view of the pandemic. This is a good solution for this year’s SPM exam for the common good of our schools and students, which ultimately is what the school education system is meant for… Education for the common good of all Malaysians, irrespective of race, culture or religion,” concluded Archbishop Simon Poh.
Click to read/download a copy of:
• Examination Guidelines and Instructions (School Session Term 3, 2021/2022)
• SPM 2021 Examination Timetable
