Most prefer foundation course to STPM
KUCHING: A survey carried out by The Borneo Post shows that some students are not interested in Sijil Tinggi Persekolah Malaysia ( STPM).
The survey asking six Form 5 students from Lodge School shows that they have no interest in taking STPM after SPM.
One of the participants, Ho Sze Shan, said she would rather go for a foundation course while Alanna Sim and Yahya Arip echo her sentiments.
“I would not consider taking up STPM as it would be a waste of time and I feel it is hard. I don’t see the point of taking STPM as I can just go to a university and take up a foundation course in the field I want to study,” Sim said.
Xavier Lim and Calvin Kon said they would not waste time and would rather go straight to university.
“I feel it is a waste of time to take one and a half years for STPM when I could easily use that time to be in university or college,” Kon added.
Grace Ong said she would not consider STPM as it was not relevant for the field of study she was interested in.
“I want to go straight to foundation for the course I want to do, which is interior design, and I feel that STPM is not necessary for me,” Ong said.
Meanwhile, Kuching High student Derik Law said he would be interested in taking up STPM if the school excluded them from the same rules implemented in secondary schools.
“I would also be more inclined to take STPM if they would be more flexible with their timing, as I don’t think a pre-university student would want to wake up at 5am for the STPM course.
“I also feel that educators from the private sector should be encouraged to contribute to STPM, and if they turn it into a fun environment, that would encourage SPM leavers to opt for STPM,” Law said.
He also said if STPM courses catered to youths’ interests, there might be a change in their perceptions.
“Despite claims from the government that the new module is similar to diploma level, I think we would really see a change if they find out what youths are interested in, and if they can accommodate that,” Law said.