In Malaysia, students receive at least 11 years of formal education before
entering the job market. It is in school that students spend a major part of
their growing years. School life can be an enjoyable experience for some while a
torture for others. However, everyone needs to experience school life as
education is compulsory in Malaysia and it is an offence if we do not attend
school. Most children enjoy going to school in the early years of schooling.
It is the time when they are exposed to people of all walks of life and diverse
cultures which they will not be able to experience at home. During their early
primary years, children will learn the basics in reading, writing and arithmetic
while getting to know new friends. As they progress to later years in primary
school, the students will be exposed to more complex subjects like History and
Geography. This is to help them to understand the world better.
In secondary school, they are expected to be independent in their learning.
However, it is during this time that they will experience changes physically and
emotionally. The teenagers will need to adapt to these changes well as they have
school projects and major examinations like Penilaian Menengah Rendah and
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. It is during this time that they will make major
decisions like choosing which stream to study as their decisions will influence
their life career.
Secondary school life will expose them to extra curricular activities that
help them develop as an individual. Participation in dubs, societies, uniformed
bodies and sports activities will develop their leadership skills and stimulate
their interests in these activities. These skills and experiences will stand
them in good stead in working life. After they complete Form 5 or Form 6, they
have to prepare themselves to further their studies in university or college.
School life is the time when students discover themselves while gaining
skills and knowledge that would prepare them for the real world. It is up to the
students to make their school life as interesting as possible, for once they
pass that stage of their life, there is no turning back. |