KUALA LUMPUR: The inability to adapt to hostel life and refusal to separate from family members are among the factors contributing to students quitting fully residential schools (SBP).
Fully Residential and Excellent Schools Management Division director Aidie Jantan said a total of 400 students left the schools last year compared to 1,000 students in 2017.
He added that the effectiveness of the Admission Test for Residential Schools (UKSBP) introduced in 2017 and used for last year’s admission, had also contributed to the reduction of fully residential school leavers.
“Hence, we are certain of the efficacy of UKSBP as a valid instrument to measure the probability of SBP students to remain in the schools,” said Aidie to reporters after inspecting the registration of Form 1 students at SBP Integrasi Gombak here yesterday.
Beside the UKSBP, the Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curricular (PAJSK) and Psychometric Assessment is also taken into account for admission into SBP.
Aidie said the ministry would take more proactive measures in the coming years to increase the intake of outstanding B40 students into SBP.
“They should be given this opportunity because a conducive environment will encourage them to study harder.
“We hope these students can succeed in fulfilling the wishes of their teachers and parents as they will be the catalyst for social mobility in their families to evolve from low-income families to high income ones,” said Aidie.
On Sunday, the Education Ministry revealed that 9,530 students had been accepted into SBP nationwide this year, of which 52.28 percent or 4,888 are from B40 families – a 15.34 percent increase compared to last year. – Bernama
