Just this March, it was made compulsory for foreign students to learn Bahasa Melayu if they wish to study at any university in Malaysia. With a push for broader use of the language, it's encouraged to start learning Malay starting from the primary school syllabus in Malaysia.
To get into the habit of learning Bahasa Melayu, completing the national education curriculum until SPM Malay ensures a fulfilling language-learning experience. Let's dive right in.
What is in the primary school syllabus for Malay?
At the primary school level, we can refer to the KSSR (Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah) Bahasa Melayu which is embedded in the Malaysian education system. In order to ensure standardised learning of Malay, it is compulsory for schoolchildren to complete this primary school syllabus so that they can build up their basic skills in Malay.
What are the basic Malay skills that students learn in Malaysia?
In general, Bahasa Melayu at the primary school level emphasises a back-to-basics concept where students need to master the required literacy skills in Malay and know how to correctly apply these skills. Year 1, 2, and 3 students are therefore educated on basic literacy skills in Malay. This means they are taught to master the basics of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Bahasa Melayu.
When moving into the higher levels of the primary school syllabus, or when students reach Years 4, 5 and 6, the focus is on strengthening these same literacy and application skills. However, more focus is given to enhancing students' fluency in spoken and written Malay. By the end of Year 6, students are expected to master important vocabulary and be able to apply them in various forms of writing.
That being said, the KSSR Bahasa Melayu syllabus teaches young learners how to correctly use the Malay language in various contexts while producing creative ideas in writing. Of course, among the tips to score is by possessing a strong mastery of Malay grammar. At the same time, these learners will come to appreciate the beauty of the Malay language from a young age.
As a young learner, you can look forward to engaging in a variety of interactive learning materials when you learn Malay in school.
What to study in the syllabus for SPM Malay?
After completing the primary school syllabus for Malay, we can look at the KSSM (Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah) Bahasa Melayu syllabus. Here are some important themes that secondary school students learn in this syllabus, leading up to SPM Malay:
- Health and safety
- History, culture and arts
- Unity and patriotism
- Science, technology and innovation
- Economy, finance and industry
- Tourism, sports and recreation
- Language and literature
The syllabus for SPM Malay structures the essential language skills into five modules: listening and speaking, reading, writing, language arts, and grammar. Students will learn how to listen and use correct speech in various contexts, as well as master reading and comprehension across different types of texts. This includes the expansion of Malay vocabulary and improved use of grammar in speaking and writing.
One of the unique components that make the syllabus for SPM Malay distinctive from the KSSR Malay syllabus is the KOMSAS literary component. The programme seeks to cultivate students' interest in literary material, along with fostering further creative writing. All these skills are crucial in helping students better communicate in the national language as the activities involve presenting information and sharing opinions in Malay.
Therefore, in furtherance of the primary school syllabus, students who have completed the syllabus for SPM Malay will gain the necessary language skills to prepare for higher education. In Malaysia, being fluent in Malay is vital for marketability and employment. To smoothly transition into the working world, students should therefore be confident in using Bahasa Melayu.
Being good in Malay shows that you are competent and capable, especially if you decide to learn Malay as a second language.
How to master the syllabus for SPM Malay?
If you'd like to master the syllabus for SPM Bahasa Melayu, STPM Bahasa Melayu, and all other levels of Malay learning, then it's time to book a lesson with a Superprof tutor. When you learn Malay with a Superprof tutor, you'll understand any marking scheme to score maximum marks in your Malay exams!
Here's how to get your first Malay lesson for free with Superprof. Key in "Bahasa Melayu" in the search bar of the Superprof Tutors homepage, and right next to it, select from either "Around Me" or "Online" (i.e. choose to have either a physical class with a Malay tutor in your area or take an online lesson from any Malay tutor in Malaysia). Now, wait for the next page to load.
Click on any profile to find out more about your tutor: read their "About the Lesson" description to get to know their teaching style, check which Malay syllabus they are covering, and even learn what previous students have to say. Once you are happy with the tutor of your choice, sign up with Superprof and click on "Book a Lesson".
When booking your first free lesson, do suggest a date in the column given and leave your contact information so that your tutor can get back to you. Introduce yourself in the space provided too so that your tutor can better understand your learning needs. Click "Next" and you're all set to go!
How is the syllabus for STPM Malay different from SPM Malay?
Unlike the primary school syllabus and the syllabus for SPM, the syllabus for STPM Malay highlights new topic areas, such as the history of the Malay language, the concept of classical Malay, and how contemporary Malay came about. STPM Malay aims to help students:
- learn about the history and development of the Malay language
- master and use Malay language systems accurately
- understand, interpret and discourse about various Malay reading materials
- identify, explain and correct Malay grammatical mistakes
- master soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving in the context of using the Malay language
STPM candidates are therefore not only studying how to use Bahasa Melayu but also everything about the language itself. To test candidates' knowledge, there are a total of three written exams and two coursework modules to complete. These include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions and essays. Take note, however, that only STPM Term 2 and 3 will require you to carry out the coursework.
In Term 2, you will be asked to write a total of seven essays in your coursework module. Your subject teacher will provide you with seven topics, which you'll have to complete as an individual assignment during your PdP sessions. This changes in Term 3, as you'll instead have to work in groups to produce an academic essay. Additionally, each group member will have to carry out a 5-minute presentation on the essay that was written.
It is clear that students will gain a richer understanding of the history of the Malay language in Malaysia after completing the syllabus for STPM Malay.
Is there a similar marking scheme for Malay exams in schools?
Malaysia has seen several changes to the standardised examinations for Bahasa Melayu in schools, especially following the abolishment of the UPSR and PT3 examinations. Assessments for the Malay language in schools, therefore, remain varied but there are several key features to look out for if you want to get to know the marking scheme.
Take note of these tips if you'd like to further into Malay grammar exams for adults and gain an international qualification for Malay proficiency.
Reading in Malay
Almost all levels of learning Malay, from the primary school syllabus up until the syllabus for STPM, will test your reading ability. Often, this is done through answering multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions. A popular assessment for Malay reading involves responding to excerpts or short texts, which often tests students' vocabulary, grammar and comprehension of Bahasa Melayu.
Writing in Malay
One of the best tips to score well in your Malay exams is to get good at essay writing. Even students in primary school are taught to write Malay essays on everyday life topics and trending issues in Malaysia. Look out for recurring themes such as family members, hobbies, sports, school, and Malaysian culture and celebrations. You should also refine your essay formats for writing, such as formal letters, emails and speeches if you are sitting for your SPM Malay examinations.
Speaking in Malay
Another feature to look out for in the marking scheme is the assessment of your Malay speaking skills. Speaking tests or assessments are often conducted by the subject teacher, but there are external assessments when you are sitting for the official SPM Malay and STPM Malay examinations. Not to worry though, as you'll be given some time to prepare your ideas before the speaking assessment.
Good luck!
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