Seven years ago, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was also the Education Minister at the time, announced that the country aimed to fully implement the single-session school system within the next five to 10 years.
According to the proposed timeline, all schools in Malaysia, particularly secondary schools, should transition to a single session by 2027, which is approximately three years from now.
However, considering the current situation of schools in Sarawak and the efforts made to achieve this target, I seriously doubt that the proposal could be accomplished even within the next 10 years unless dedicated efforts are taken to realize it.
Education matters are currently overseen by the federal government. However, the Sarawak government seeks more autonomy over education matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Deputy Minister Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, from the Sarawak Premier Department, recently stated that while education falls under federal jurisdiction, Sarawak should have more control over its implementation.
Currently, most, if not all, secondary schools in Sarawak still use a double-session system due to classroom shortages. Morning session students must share classrooms with those who study in the afternoon.
This prevailing situation undoubtedly contributes to an unfavourable learning and teaching atmosphere for both students and teachers in the state.
As a result, it is common to find educational materials and notices on the walls and notice boards of these classrooms, which can be confusing at times since they are intended for two different classes.
It is undeniable that despite educators’ best efforts, the practicalities of sharing classrooms between sessions present significant challenges in delivering effective instruction and maintaining a conducive learning atmosphere.
I completely recognize that the transition will undoubtedly require time and a substantial budget, considering its impact on nearly all secondary schools across the state.
The efforts would require the ministry to address the root cause of classroom shortages, which led to the implementation of the double-session system.
However, I believe it is a reasonable request, considering that almost if not all, secondary schools in Peninsula Malaysia have been operating on a single-session system not only recently but for decades already.
This initiative also aims to ensure equitable access to quality education and educational facilities for all students across the country.
Concerted efforts and strategic planning are necessary to navigate the complexities of the current educational landscape in Sarawak.
Only through proactive measures aimed at resolving the root causes of classroom shortages can the educational system hope to provide an optimal learning environment conducive to the academic success and holistic development of its students.
Transitioning all schools in Sarawak to operate on a single-session system could bring numerous benefits to the education system and the community as a whole.
With a single-session system, schools can ensure a consistent learning environment for all students throughout the day. This consistency allows for better lesson planning, improved teacher-student interaction, and more effective use of educational resources, ultimately leading to enhanced educational quality and student outcomes.
It will also enable the affected schools to optimize the use of their facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities. This maximization of resources can lead to cost savings for the education system and better access to facilities for students, promoting a more enriching educational experience.
Both students and teachers stand to benefit from a single-session system in terms of improved work-life balance. It will also create a closer-knit school and community.
When all students study together at the same time, there are more opportunities for interaction, teamwork, and support among different grades. This strengthens the school culture and community ties.
Most importantly, having all schools run on a single session can make educational administration and management more efficient and effective.
It simplifies schedules, reduces logistical challenges, and makes coordination among educators, parents, and policymakers easier. This leads to smoother operations and improved outcomes for everyone.
This trend is evident in many places worldwide where educational systems are shifting to single-session models to match modern practices and address changing student and societal needs.
By transitioning to a single-session system, Sarawak can align itself with global trends in education and position itself for continued growth and success in the future.
Doing away with the double session system will, among other things, result in shorter school days, allowing more time for extracurricular activities, family commitments, and personal pursuits.
Teachers would also benefit from a more manageable workload and greater flexibility in planning both their professional and personal lives.
It is widely known that, besides other drawbacks, the double-session system also disrupts family routines and schedules, especially if siblings attend different sessions.
This can complicate transportation and childcare arrangements, especially when both parents are working.
Muhyiddin, when announcing the initiative, said that less than 20% of schools in the country are still practising the two-session system. Unfortunately, the affected schools are mostly in Sarawak and Sabah.
Therefore, I genuinely hope that the federal government will promptly address this issue for the betterment of education for students, especially in Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
