KSSM Mathematics is a core subject taken by all students who follow the National Education System in Malaysia. Every student in Malaysia has the opportunity to go through at least six years of basic education in primary school and five years in secondary school.
The syllabus in secondary school is basically a continuation of the knowledge and skills learned from the primary school level. Mathematics in secondary school aims, to develop students' knowledge and skills to enable them to solve problems in daily life, continue their studies to a higher level and also be able to function in an effective workforce.
One of the most important academic examinations for students under the National Education System in Malaysia is Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Mathematics is one of the core compulsory subjects for all students who sit for SPM in the final year of their secondary school education.
This is not the only reason why mathematics is important. While many students feel that mathematics is boring, too difficult and unnecessary in their daily life, mathematics actually plays an important role in everyone’s life. It not only develops an individual's intellectual level and human development but also promotes logical and systematic thinking.
If you are a student who is going to sit for the SPM examinations at the end of this school year and would like to know more about mathematics subject, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will briefly go through the KSSM mathematics syllabus for SPM, exam format, marking scheme, where to find past year papers and tips on how to ace SPM mathematics.
KSSM Mathematics Syllabus for SPM
The KSSM mathematics content includes five main areas of learning that are interconnected with each other: Numbers and Operations, Measurement and Geometry, Relation and Algebra, Statistics and Probability and Discrete Mathematics.
The Examination Board (Lembaga Peperiksaan), Ministry of Education Malaysia has prepared an assessment format for SPM Mathematics subjects from 2021. The format was presented and agreed upon in the National Curriculum Committee Meeting, Ministry of Education Malaysia in 2020.
This new syllabus gives emphasis developing Higher Level Thinking Skills (KBAT) in students. Furthermore, students are exposed to mathematical skills such as measuring and building, making estimates, data collection and interpretation, recognising relationships and representing them mathematically, translating real situations into mathematical models, using correct mathematical language, applying logical reasoning, using algorithms and relationships, using mathematical tools, solving problems, making decisions and so on.
For the SPM mathematics examination, students will be tested based on what they have learned in Form 1 to Form 5 which covers 53 topics in total.
Are You Familiar with the Examination Format?
It is vital to familiarise yourself with the exam format before sitting for the SPM exam. How well do you know the SPM mathematics examination format? The SPM maths exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Students are allotted 90 minutes for paper 1 and 150 minutes for Paper 2.
Paper 1 consists of multiple-choice questions. One of the major differences in the examination format since 2021 is in Paper 2 which consists of subjective questions which are divided into three parts: Part A, Part B and Part C compared to the old format where paper two was only divided into two parts.
It is vital to know this information as it will help you be better prepared for the exam. You have the opportunity to train yourself to complete answering the questions within the allotted time. You can also get plenty of practice for both multiple-choice and subjective questions.
Furthermore, if you know the exam format well and have adequately prepared for the exam, this will help alleviate your stress and anxiety during the actual SPM mathematics examination.
If you would like to know more in detail in regards to to the new SPM mathematics format, you can refer to the Lembaga Peperiksaan website.
Let’s Get to Know the SPM Mathematics Marking Scheme
Before looking into the specifics of SPM mathematics marking scheme, it is a good idea to understand the standardised SPM grading system. The SPM grading system which was upgraded in 2019 serves as a fair evaluation for all students.
The grading scale ranging from A+ to G not only provides accurate feedback on students’ performance but also serves as a tool to motivate them to work harder to improve their grades. This grading system serves as a benchmark for students to qualify for scholarships, university entrance, the course selection and many more.
As you know, there are 2 papers for mathematics. In order to calculate your marks for this subject you must add the scores from both papers multiply the total by 100 and divide it by 140. Please refer below for more details:
Paper 1 : 40
Paper 2 : 100
Total : 140 x 100 / 140 = 100%
A good point to keep in mind to get maximum marks for the subjective paper, paper 2 is to show the complete workings to demonstrate understanding of the subject.
Students should always read the questions carefully in order to really understand what the question is asking. For subjective questions, students are reminded to answer in one language only to avoid confusion. You have the option of using Bahasa Melayu or English.
Why are SPM Past Year Questions Important?
One of the best ways to score A+ in SPM mathematics is by attempting as many mathematics reference papers as possible. These reference papers include trial exam questions, actual past year SPM questions and practice questions.
There are plenty of resources available online for you to find these SPM mathematics reference papers online. If you would like to find reliable online websites to access SPM trial exam questions from various schools and states or topical practice
When students attempt many mathematics reference papers, they are able to learn the exam format and be well-prepared for the exam. Furthermore, they will be able to familiarise themselves with the style and pattern of the questions in the exam.
Based on their results from attempting these practice questions, students will identify and work on their weak areas. This will not only boost a student’s confidence but reduce the anxiety they might feel during the actual examinations. As a result, they get to attempt the actual exam questions in a calm manner.
There are plenty of resources available online for you to find these SPM mathematics reference papers online. If you would like to find reliable online websites to access SPM trial exam questions from various schools and states or topical practice questions, please check out Best Resources to Master SPM Mathematics 2023.
There are also plenty of books from reliable publishers that can be used as references and for practice questions. If you like to watch videos to learn instead, there are plenty of YouTube channels with great materials by SPM maths teachers that you can check out!
Amazing Tips to Score A+ in SPM Mathematics
There are plenty of tips to help you score well in SPM mathematics. These tips serve as a positive guide in your studies. Every student is unique and has their own way to understand mathematics. Some tips might work well for one student but not for another.
There is no right or wrong way to study any subject. Do what feels most helpful to you. The end goal is to score A+ in SPM mathematics.
One of the most important tips to remember is to always manage your time properly and train yourself to answer all questions within the allocated time for each paper. If you are unable to answer all the required questions, you will end up losing marks.
A simple tip like reading the question properly can go a long way. If you rush through reading the exam question and do not understand what is being asked, you will end up losing marks because you did not take the time to read and provide the correct answer.
Sometimes, studying together with friends can be helpful to both parties. Attempting practice questions together will give everyone the opportunity to learn better. If you are able to answer a question that your friend cannot, showing them how to do it will not only help your friend but you will also retain the knowledge by repeating it to your friend.
SPM is an important exam in a Malaysian student’s life and the mathematics subject grade plays an important role when you move on to tertiary education especially if you are aspiring to join STEM fields.
If you are looking for help with SPM mathematics because you find it challenging, why not hire a tutor from Superprof? You can find experienced tutors who are knowledgeable in the field of mathematics to help you on your journey to scoring A+.
You can arrange the time to suit your needs without having to accommodate others. Furthermore, your Superprof tutor will help you understand the relevant concepts and formulas and also evaluate your performance.
What are you waiting for? Hire a Superprof tutor today and get started on your journey towards excellence!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
