Do you get excited whenever you managed to solve a difficult and complex Maths question?
Can't seem to decide which one you prefer between algebras or calculus?
Missing the presence of numbers in your student life after your SPM?
If you find yourself nodding passionately to these three statements, there's a high chance you'll meet Maths again if you are pursuing your Form Six studies.
But do you know that there are two types of Mathematics (Maths T and Maths M) that are offered for STPM?
How To Decide Between STPM Maths T and STPM Maths M For Your Form 6 Studies?
Before you decide which Maths to study for your STPM studies, you should ask yourself these two important questions.
1) Are you more Science inclined or Arts inclined?
Perhaps you have previously taken Science subjects for your SPM and you are not keen on studying them again.
You still like and want to study Maths though. That's totally fine. You can then take up Financial Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and STPM Maths M for your Art Stream Form 6 studies.
More numbers, zero Science, isn't that perfect now?
If you love Science, excel at it and intend to pursue a career in that field, then by all means choose the Science stream where you'll study STPM Maths T.
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2) What are the academic requirements of your desired career pathway?
Certain courses like Computer Science require you to have a credit in STPM Maths T only whereas programs like Accounting and Finance/ Business Studies accept both STPM Maths T and STPM Maths M.
Be sure to do your homework before you decide on the stream that you intend to take for your Form 6 studies.
Now, let's get down to business by taking the first step to tackle your STPM Maths paper. After all, nothing beats the thrill of exploring the latest exam format for both STPM Maths papers.
What Is The Latest Format of STPM Maths T and M (Written Test)?
STPM Maths T and M share the same examination format for the written tests throughout the 3 semesters.
All the written tests consist of 2 sections: Section A [45 marks] and Section B [15 marks].
For Section A, you need to answer 6 questions consisting of different marks.
For Section B, you have to answer 1 question out of 2 given options.
The total duration of the written test is 1 hour and 30 minutes. You may choose to answer in either English or Bahasa Malaysia. Continue reading to learn about the theme that you will explore for STPM Maths T and Maths M respectively.
Firstly, let's look at what you'll learn in Maths T.
- 954/1 Mathematics (T) Paper 1 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 1, the questions are based on 6 topics ranging from Algebra and Geometry.
- 954/2 Mathematics (T) Paper 2 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 2, the questions are based on 6 chapters ranging from Calculus.
- 954/2 Mathematics (T) Paper 3 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 3, the questions are based on 6 components ranging from Statistics.
Now let's look at STPM Maths M (Art Stream).
- 950/1 Mathematics (M) Paper 1 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 1, the questions are based on 6 topics ranging from Algebra and Calculus.
- 950/2 Mathematics (M) Paper 2 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 2, the questions are based on 6 chapters ranging from Statistics.
- 950/3 Mathematics (M) Paper 3 (Weightage: 26.67%)
In Semester 3, the questions are based on 6 components ranging from Financial and Decision Mathematics.
After familiarizing yourself with the exam format and the topics that you'll learn, you can reinforce your knowledge and memory by putting them into practice when you attempt past year papers or sample questions for STPM Maths later.
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What Should You Know About The Coursework Assessments for STPM Maths T and Maths M?
You may wonder if that's all for your STPM Maths lessons and exams. The answer is NO.
The weightage of your total written tests comes at 80%, which means the remaining weightage of 20% is found in your coursework assessments.
Here are some important details regarding your coursework assessments.
a) The coursework consists of 3 assignments
The same applies to both STPM Maths T and Maths M. You will need to complete one assignment per semester and it will be based on different Maths concepts and the topics that you will learn during each semester.
- For Semester 1, your assignment will be based on Mathematical Investigation. [60 marks]
- For Semester 2, your assignment will be based on Mathematical Modelling. [60 marks]
- For Semester 3, your assignment will also be based on Mathematical Modelling. [60 marks]
The total marks that you have accumulated throughout the semesters will then be scaled to 45 and converted to 20% for the overall grade weightage of your subject. For example, if your total mark is 165 over 180, after scaling it to 45 marks and converted to 20%, it will be 18.3%.
b) You have to follow the assignment manual and writing style that is set by MPM
You have to produce a written report and have a short presentation after you have submitted your assignments each semester.
You will be able to access and download the manual for each semester from the official website of MPM. Be sure to include the declaration statement and attach it to the assignment report. Your assignment report should consist of the following elements:
1. Introduction
• Clearly indicates the title and depicts the problem to be solved.
2. Methodology
• Shows the application of appropriate methods or strategies to address the given problem.
• Tabulate the generation or collection of relevant data and information.
3. Results
• Answer every question and subquestion with accurate mathematical calculations and explain results with mathematical reasoning
• After showing your working, don't forget to interpret the results (findings).
4. Conclusion
• Summarize your discussion of outcomes in a systematic manner.
Remember that you will be graded based on the successful application of mathematics concepts so stick to simple and accurate explanation and working. Write your report using a passive voice with the right mathematical terminology, language and notation.
For example, through the application of a Gantt Chart, it is decided that Jane Bakery needs to employ 3 more workers to complete a mega wedding project in the month of August.
c) The coursework is graded by your subject teacher (school-based assessment)
Your coursework progress will be monitored by your subject teacher but he or she will not provide a detailed indication of errors, analysis, discussion towards your personal work. Your teacher will set the deadline of your assignment submission for each semester and you are not allowed to make any changes upon submission.
Your assignments will be graded according to the teacher's manual that is set by Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (MPM). You will also have to undergo a viva session with your teacher after he or she has assessed your report. You will be given roughly 15 minutes to demonstrate how well you understand the assignment and how you present your workings.
You may to the tables below to see how you are graded for your coursework assessment.
| Assignment Report Criterion | Allocated Marks |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 4 |
| Methodology | 8 |
| Results | 10 |
| Conclusion | 6 |
| Communication | 12 |
| Total Marks | 40 |
| Viva Assessment Criterion | Allocated Marks |
|---|---|
| Understanding of Assignment | 14 |
| Communication | 6 |
| Total Marks | 20 |
Hence, the total marks: 60 marks.
You can read more about the overall marking scheme of your STPM Maths paper here.
How Can A STPM Maths Tutor Help You?
The idea of studying Maths can be stressful but it can also be wonderful and less lonely with the help of a reliable Maths tutor.
At Superprof, you can easily connect and learn from Maths tutors around you that offer STPM Maths lessons at an affordable price. You can choose to have physical lessons at your home/ tutor's home or even opt for purely online lessons. Just head to the website and start viewing various tutors' profiles.
Here are 3 great ways how you can benefit from STPM Maths tutoring in the long run.
a) Offer you diversity and flexibility in your learning methods
Sometimes you may feel as if you're stuck in the middle of studying or revising and you can't seem to get the solution out. It gets even more frustrating when you don't understand the working of your friends/ teachers in class.
This is when a private tutor steps in to offer you a different angle at looking at your questions. Perhaps you would understand better by using diagrams and arrows to solve the problems instead of merely reading the long texts of the questions. Maybe there's even a special technique that your tutor will recommend for memorizing certain formulas. It's always good to explore which learning method works best for you.
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b) Cultivate a sense of consistency throughout your 3 semesters
Think of your Form Six studies as a marathon. You'll have to be in your best state for all 3 semesters.
This is especially true in the case of this subject where there needs to be a balanced momentum and cultivated confidence throughout your semesters. You will be constantly guided and monitored on effective strategies for revision and answering techniques for your STPM Maths papers and even coursework assessment tips. You would also receive immediate feedback and consistent grading for your tutoring exercises too.
c) Reinforces your understanding and comprehension of all the covered topics
Some of you may want to resit your Maths paper to improve your overall grade in the following semester. Your school teachers will certainly not repeat the previous semesters' lessons, so you'll need extra guidance as you prepare your revision alongside your current lesson.
Your tutor will come out with a feasible lesson plan that will include all the topics that you need to master and revise again for your current schedule. Hence, you don't have to worry about missing anything/ forgetting anything before the exams.
Continue to pursue your passion for Mathematics by acing your STPM Maths paper with the guidance of a Superprof Maths tutor!
The only way to learn Mathematics is to do Mathematics.-Paul Halmos
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