Should I study Form 6 or continue with Form Six and take the STPM exam or stop?

Should I choose to Study Form 6 or other Pre-University Course in Malaysia?

After SPM, there are many different pathways for you to choose from and sometimes it can be confusing. Because of this confusion, some students just take the easy way out of by choosing to study Form 6. Students should take the time to understand the system and how Form 6 works to see if you are able to handle the material and do well in the STPM examination. Scoring high in STPM is possible but it takes immense amount of focus and hard work. If you are not prepared for that, then you are already doomed from the start.

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities in Malaysia. The STPM is also accepted for entry into private universities in Malaysia and overseas universities.

The STPM is acknowledged as one of the toughest exams in the world to study. The other way is the Matriculation course where only 10% of the seats are set aside for Non-bumis therefore the competition will be extremely high for the spots. A better choice, if you have the finances is to go for the Foundation course at top private universities in Malaysia. The Foundation course is 1 year which will save you time compared to the STPM and when you continue on to the degree course, you get to choose what you want to study.

Students with high distinctions have the advantage of scholarships for Foundation Programmes at the private universities. Since the Foundation programme is much easier than the STPM, you would probably get a high score in the Foundation programme and get a scholarship for the Degree course. However, if you choose the STPM which is extremely tough, although you may pass but you may not get 3As or 4As in STPM to apply for scholarships at Private Universities in Malaysia.

After SPM, one of the choices that students have is to take Form 6 and eventually the STPM examination. Most students choose the STPM because of financial difficulties which is a valid reason. However, if your parents can afford or if they can sacrifice, it is better to go for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia. In the article below, we will discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of taking the STPM and why you should take the Foundation programme.

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What is the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)?

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia. Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you?

Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course in Malaysia will include a percentage of the breakdown of assessment for the subjects. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you. Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university.

In order to help you make the right choice after SPM, I have compiled all the necessary information you need to know about Form Six and the STPM examination so that you understand what it is before choosing it.

Background of the Form Six Education System in Malaysia

Form Six has been operating in government aided secondary schools for more than 50 years.

Students who have completed upper secondary education and SPM Examination are eligible to do Form Six, if they meet the general and specific terms for the respective streams for 3 terms. There are two streams offered in Form Six education which are Social Science and Science.

Recognition of the STPM Certificate

The STPM certificate is recognised by the Government of Malaysia, Department of Civil Service (JPA) and Cambridge Assessment, England.

Students who have obtained excellent results in the STPM examination and co-curriculum are qualified to apply to further their education in local and overseas institutions of higher learning.

The STPM certificate is also recognised by the JPA for STPM leavers to assume posts in the government services.

What are the Entry Requirements into Form 6 in Malaysia?

The general requirements are: Pass SPM with a Credit in Bahasa Malaysia. However, to obtain a place a certain stream, there are more detailed requirements. To qualify to the Social Sciences, the number of units for the three best subjects must not exceed 12, for the Science stream, the number of units not must not exceed 18 points, while for Religious Studies, it must not exceed 14.

Should I study Form Six and take the STPM In Malaysia?

In order to consider studying Form 6, students should take the time to understand the system and how Form 6 works.

Let’s look at the statistics below to help you decide whether you should take Form 6 or not.

There were 58,355 students who took STPM in 2013 and in 2014 it dropped to 48,615 students. It is a drop of 16.69% (9,740 candidates)

48,615 candidates registered for the STPM examinations in 2014 but only 42,854 sat for it. Only 390 out of 48,615 STPM 2014 obtained a 4.0 CGPA. 57 candidates failed the exam.

The national CGPA was 2.62 but for non-bumis to get their courses of choice, you will need higher CGPA. Ten students scored 5As, and a total of 398 students scored 4As. To obtain scholarships from private universities or overseas, you need to score 4As or 5As, so based on this, you can calculate the chances of you scoring in the STPM and obtaining a scholarship.

27,342 (63.80%), passed in four subjects, 7,130 in three subjects, 3,563 in two subjects and 2,410 passed just one subject. Pass here includes D and E. You need at least 2 Cs to join a degree course in private universities.

The number of candidates achieving 4 Principals (C) in STPM 2014 is 60.14 per cent. You need at least 2 Principals to join a degree course in private universities.

If you had scored high is SPM, you are eligible for scholarships for Foundation programmes at top private universities. The Foundation programmes are easier and so if you score for Foundation, you can get more scholarships to cover part or all of your degree studies.

Problem is if you take the STPM which is so much tougher than the Foundation course, although Form 6 is free, but if you don’t score in STPM, you have no scholarship for your degree studies and in the end have to pay all of the fees for your degree studies in private university. Are you willing to take that risk?

Advantages of the STPM

With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment.

SBA humanises assessment making schooling a cooperative enterprise between teachers and students.

Through the new examination system, students will also have more opportunities to obtain better results. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.

STPM is divided into 3 parts, with each part consisting of ONE term (One part = One term)
School-based assessment (projects, practical) count for 20-40% of your total grade, whereas common or centralised examinations count for 60-80% of your grade, varying with each subject.

Disadvantages of the STPM

Lower 6 used to be called the honeymoon year, but now, as soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because

your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying  the exams every 6 months.

To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.

STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.

While STPM may only be an 18-month course from start to the release of results, you will need to wait an additional 5-6 months for public university intakes, a grand total of 2 years. If you’re just looking for the fastest route to a Degree, then this isn’t it.

From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA or Public University in Malaysia would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it. There are 180,000 graduates each year and competition for jobs are high therefore the faster you graduate, the faster you get a job and start your savings.

English is very important to secure a job as well as getting a higher salary and faster promotions. This is reported in the Star and from research conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia.

The medium of instruction in IPTA is in BM and most of the Chinese there communicate in Mandarin. In 2011, 70,000 IPTA graduates were unemployed.

Personally, I only recommend the STPM if students do not have the finances to study in private universities but with the PTPN Loan, studying in the private colleges or universities are more accessible.

A lot students and parents want to save money by going for the STPM but do not realise that for some, in the end, they are wasting time and eventually have to spend more money.

The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary.

If you take a diploma at a private university in Malaysia, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form 6.

You can choose an easier way through the 1-year Foundation offered at the Private Universities.

You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM.

STPM Education System

Duration of Form 6 studies

In the new system, the duration of form six studies is similar to the previous system which is based on one-and-a half years of form six studies comprising the lower and upper six form.

The allocation of teaching periods remains the same: eight periods per week for each subject (one period = 40 minutes). 

What are the Subjects for STPM?

There are two streams, which are the Arts Stream and the Science Stream.

1. 

   900 General Studies

2. 910 Malay Language
3. 911 Chinese Language
4. 912 Tamil Language
5. 913 Arabic Languange
6. 920 Literature in English
7. 922 Communicative Malay Literature
8. 930 Syariah
9. 931 Usuluddin
10. 940 History
11. 942 Geography
12. 944 Economics
13. 946 Business Studies
14. 948 Accounting
15. 950 Mathematics (M)
16. 954 Mathematics (T)
17. 956 Further Mathematics
18. 958 Information and Communications Technology
19. 960 Physics
20. 962 Chemistry
21. 964 Biology
22. 966 Sports Science
23. 970 Visual Arts

Modular System for the STPM

The new modular STPM format began in 2012, will combine two forms of assessments, and will be similar to the A levels

format except that it will be in BM.

Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).

Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.

The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.

You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.

Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.

Soft skill such as communication skills, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving,information management and ethics are included in the new curriculum.

School-Based Assessment (SBA) for the STPM

The introduction of SBA in this system is in line with the aspiration of the Education Ministry to develop human capital who embrace intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical values in line with the National Educational Philosophy.

The SBA consists of project work, field study and practical work. The coursework question/task is prepared by the Council and will be conducted either over three terms or as determined by the individual subject requirements.

Examination

A centralised written examination is administered at the end of each term. Question

types consist of multiple choice, structed and essay questions. Question papers are prepared and provided by the Council, and the marking of answer scripts will be carried out by Council-appointed examiners.

Entry Requirements into Form Six in Malaysia

The general requirement for entry into Form Six is pass SPM examination with credit in Bahasa Malaysia. For students to qualify entry into the Social Science stream, the number of units for three best subjects must not exceed 12, as for entry into the Science stream, this number must not exceed 18 units while for entry into Religious Studies, it must not exceeding 14 units.

All applications can be made online and candidates who do not get an offer can appeal to the respective State Education Departments.

Murid-murid dari sekolah kerajaan yang layak ditawarkan masuk ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah 2013 hendaklah memenuhi tiga-

tiga syarat berikut:

1. Memperoleh kepujian bagi mata pelajaran Bahasa Melayu dalam peperiksaan SPM 2012.

KUMPULAN        MATA PELAJARAN
I                              Bahasa Melayu
II                             Bahasa Inggeris
III                            Kesusasteraan Melayu / Kesusasteraan Inggeris
IV                            Sejarah
V                             Geografi / Pendidikan Seni Visual
VI                            Pendidikan Islam / Pendidikan Moral
VII                           Matematik / Matematik Tambahan
VIII                         Sains / Sains Tambahan / Applied Science
IX                            Salah Satu Mata Pelajaran Teknik/Vokasional/Mata Pelajaran Vokasional (MPV)
X                             Tasawwur Islam/Pendidikan Al Quran Dan Al Sunnah/Syariah Islamiah
XI                            Bahasa Arab Tinggi / Bahasa Arab (Komunikasi) / Bahasa Cina / Bahasa Tamil
XII                           Sains Pertanian / Perdagangan / Prinsip Perakaunan / Ekonomi Asas / Ekonomi
Rumah Tangga / Pengetahuan Sains   Sukan

Calon-calon yang memperolehi jumlah mata gred 9 hingga 12 unit bagi TIGA mata pelajaran terbaik daripada TIGA kumpulan yang berlainan seperti tercatat dalam 2(A), layak ditawarkan ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah dengan syarat terdapat kekosongan tempat di sekolah berkenaan.

ATAU

1. (B) Untuk kemasukan ke jurusan SAINS, calon mesti memperoleh sekurang- kurangnya TIGA kepujian dengan jumlah mata gred yang tidak melebihi 14 unit. Tiap-tiap satunya hendaklah dalam kumpulan yang berlainan dari kumpulan-kumpulan berikut:

KUMPULAN          MATA PELAJARAN
I                                Matematik / Matematik Tambahan
II                               Fizik
III                             Kimia
IV                             Biologi

Calon-calon yang memperolehi jumlah mata gred 15 hingga 18 unit bagi TIGA mata pelajaran terbaik daripada TIGA kumpulan yang berlainan seperti tercatat dalam 2(B), layak ditawarkan ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah dengan syarat terdapat kekosongan tempat di sekolah berkenaan.

Form Six Curriculum in Malaysia

The implementation of the new assessment system of STPM began with the 2012 session after the Cabinet Meeting on 4 January 2012 approved of its implementation.

A total of 22 subjects were offered in the new assessment system of STPM.  However, the students could only select four or five subjects, including Pengajian Am which is a compulsory subject. MUET is also a compulsory subject for all STPM students.

The three main skills integrated in the Form Six education are cognitive, manipulative and soft skills.

Co- curricular Activities for Form Six Students in Malaysia

It is compulsory for all Form Six students to be involved in the co-curricular activities.  10% of the marks awarded will be based on the two highest marks obtained in the following areas:

• Clubs/societies
• Sports/games
• Uniform bodies

 Duration of Study for Form 6 in Malaysia

a.       Term 1 : May to November

• 26 weeks including :
• Teaching and Learning
• Coursework (for certain subjects)
• Term 1 Examination (P1)

b.       Term 2: January to May

• 20 weeks including :
• Learning and Teaching
• Coursework (for certain subjects)
• Term 2 Examination (P2)

c.      Term 3 : May to November

• 26 weeks including :
• Learning and Teaching
• Coursework (for certain subjects)
• Term 3 Examination (P3), Repeat Examination 1 (U1), and Repeat Examination 2 (U2)

Contents of the curriculum are divided into 3 sections according to grouping of topics or according to the suitability of the respective fields of study to accommodate the three terms namely, P1, P2 and P3 for a duration of the 1 ½ years course.

Assessment for the STPM Examination in Malaysia

Assessment is conducted through term end centralised examination (weightage 60% – 80%) and coursework (weightage 20% – 40%). The percentage of weightage differs according to subject.

Students must sit for the term end centralised examinations P1, P2 and P3. Students are also required to do coursework. Students will receive their examination results every term.  They can improve their P1 and P2 results by sitting for U1 and/or U2 examinations.  Students must also complete the coursework. The assessment and examination results of the students are based on the results they obtained in all three terms. The overall STPM examination results are the best cumulative results of the 3 terms as follows:

Best Result   [(P1 or U1) + (P2 or U2) +P3 + coursework]

Modular System for the STPM

The new modular STPM format began in 2012, will combine two forms of assessments, and will be similar to the A levels format

except that it will be in BM.

Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).

Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.

The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.

You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with theirresults for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.

Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.

Soft skill such as communication skills, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving,information management and ethics are included in the new curriculum.

School-Based Assessment (SBA) for the STPM

The introduction of SBA in this system is in line with the aspiration of the Education

Ministry to develop human capital who embrace intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical values in line with the National Educational Philosophy.

The SBA consists of project work, field study and practical work. The coursework question/task is prepared by the Council and will be conducted either over three terms or as determined by the individual subject requirements.

STPM Examination

A centralised written examination is administered at the end of each term. Question

types consist of multiple choice, structured and essay questions. Question papers are prepared and provided by the Council, and the marking of answer scripts will be carried out by Council-appointed examiners.

Fees for the STPM Examination

Examination fees for four or/and five subjects are waived for all government schools and government aided school candidates with the exception of private school candidates and private candidates.

STPM Grading System

The grading system in the new STPM assessment system is similar to that of the previous STPM system. The score (question paper level) acquired by students for each term will be aggregated to determine the overall subject grade.

There is no prerequisite minimum pass grade in each term for students to qualify to continue their studies in the following term.

STPM uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system. There are 11 grades, which are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+ and D, with F as the failing grade. The grade points for each of these grades are between 4.0 and 1.0, A being 4.0 and D- being 1.0.

The F grade gives a grade point of 0. From year 2012 onwards, CGPA point for each subject is known as Subject Grade Point (SGP) meanwhile the overall CGPA point for all subjects will be known as “Overall Subject Grade Point”.

In accordance with the implementation of modular system in STPM from year 2012 onwards, MEC will implement a new assessment system for each STPM subjects.

Cumulative and subject GPA at 2.0 and above is considered a pass with credit or principal pass.

GPA below 2.0 is considered a sub-fail, and a 0 is considered a fail. Admissions to local public universities requires at least a CGPA of 2.0 and above.

*Subject Grade Point (SGP)

What to Study After SPM in IPTS or Private Universities?

Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university. There are many Pre-University or Diploma programmes that you can go for after SPM so it can be confusing for you to choose the right one.

Choosing the right university can be confusing and depends on a lot of factors like your budget, results, passion, skills and career goals.

Students interested on how to choose the best universities in Malaysia for the particular courses like the ones below can contact me for more information:

Best Education Pathway After SPM

There are basically 2 pathways after SPM or O-Levels. You can either go for a Diploma course or Pre-University Course in Malaysia or Singapore. “Pre” means before, therefore, “Pre-University” means the course that you take before entering into a university bachelors degree programme. The common courses under Pre-University are STPM, A-Levels, Foundation, AUSMAT, etc.

Students after SPM or O-Levels who are not sure what to study at degree level can go for the Pre-University course in Malaysia like A-Levels, AUSMAT or Foundation and then proceed on to the degree in Malaysia.

Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.

Students who are sure of what they want to study after SPM or O-Levels can enter the Diploma course first. The Diploma pathway in Malaysia for students after SPM is 2 or 2.5 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Degree programme.

There are many types of diploma and Pre-University courses in Malaysia as well as hundreds of undergraduate majors to choose from. But knowing the right one for you is the most difficult decision. If you read this guide from start to finish, you’ll know the best courses in Malaysia that would suit you.

If you are not sure what to study, do ask a trained counselor and always make decisions based on evidence and facts. The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever.

You can contact us for a free career test to help you understand yourself better so that you are able to make the right decision.

Choosing the best possible course to study is a very important decision to make, and often a challenging one.  For some people, choosing the course is simple as they have always wanted to be a brain surgeon or a dentist or an engineer.

Many students in Malaysia tend to choose their course based on what their parents or relatives recommend, rather than on what they are good at or really like to study. The end result is that a lot of Malaysian students discover that they have started on courses that may be unsuitable to them after studying a few semesters. Worse is when they start work, they find that it is not what they like.

When choosing a course students need to choose based on your personal strengths and your career

goals. Let the experienced counselors at EduSpiral Consultant Services take you step-by-step through the choices.

Most importantly, the right course will help you to develop skills for the long term, for your career and personal development. The skills for a successful future include, communication, English-language proficiency, problem-solving, strategic and analytical skills, creative thinking, innovation, team-work, leadership and assimilating new ideas.

There are so many courses out there and it can be confusing to choose the right course to study after SPM. Choosing the right course is a big decision and it is important to get it right as it can impact your future success.