Guideline on English language initiative in Sarawak schools issued
KUCHING: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research has issued a guideline on the initiative to improve the level of proficiency in the English language in Sarawak schools.
In a letter dated July 31 to all state elected representatives signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sudarsono Osman, he stated that the Sarawak Education Department has implemented the English Highly Immersive programmes ( HIP).
The objectives of the HIP, according to him, are to develop a highly immersive English language environment in schools that supports English language learning; to increase student participation in English language activities in schools and to increase student proficiency in the English language through extended usage of the English language both in and out of class.
“Our initiative is therefore to complement the HIP with the intention to create a conducive environment for teachers and students to communicate in English,” Sudarsono stated in the letter cited by The Borneo Post yesterday.
The letter was issued following the first letter from the ministry dated June 15, which called for cooperation from all 82 elected representatives to support the initiative to improve the level of English language proficiency in schools.
On July 7, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong reportedly said his ministry would issue another circular to all 82 state elected representatives on guidelines to adopt schools in their respective constituencies to improve English proficiency among students soon.
He said the circular will also include a guideline for the elected representatives to obtain consensus among parents and teachers to support the initiative before it is adopted at the school.
Sudarsono pointed out that for the initiative to be successfully implemented, the school adoption must be with the consultation and agreement of the principal and the parent-teacher association as the success of this programme will be dependent upon the involvement of all parties concerned.
“There must be leadership commitment from the school concerned in order to ensure the success of this initiative. The adoption is not restricted to only one school.”
He stated the initiative is on a voluntary basis and no additional funds will be allocated.
He cited SK Ulu Lubai and SK Ba Kelalan as examples as they have successfully implemented their initiatives on their own without any additional funding.
Sudarsono also stated that parties concerned are expected to come up with creative and interesting programmes to encourage students’ participation.
“Education should not be politicised. All are reminded not to take advantage of this initiative as a publicity or political platform.”