SBP's PMR & SPM Trial Examination Papers 2011

For teachers and students who are searching for English Language trial examination papers from other states, enclosed are this year's trial examination papers from Boarding School Unit or Sekolah Berasrama Penuh (SBP). You can download the papers by clicking the links below. I'll try to update this blog with more trial examination papers soon. Credit to MOZAC's Exam Hub site.

• PMR Trial Examination Papers
• SPM Trial Examination Papers 

Of Lesson Study and JSL Camp

Man, it's been awhile since I've updated this blog due to super hectic schedule. I am in the midst of marking frenzy (2nd monthly test and Form 5's Gerak Gempur) while stealing time to go Raya shopping, spruce up the abode and bake Raya cookies. Hats off to working mommies who can do all that effortlessly! Here are the updates:

#1-Lesson Study Observation, SMK St. Joseph, Johor Bahru

Right after the Curse Item Building Workshop, I was appointed by PPD JB to be one of the observers for English Language Lesson Study at SMK St. Joseph. The other two observers were Mr. Ismail Juned, GC from SIGS and Mdm. Ho, GC from SMK Sri Rahmat. I've met Ms. Ruzana, our DELO and she gave a briefing on the duties we need to carry out that day.  Despite the fact I've attended the Lesson Study Workshop organised by Majlis Guru Cemerlang (MGC) Johor Bahru, I believe that I've enhanced my understanding on Lesson Study better and gained more confidence in conducting the observation when I've listened to the explanation given by Pn. Rahmah Sayuti (Pakar Rujuk) and carried out the observation in a classroom. It was good meeting you again, Kak Rahmah! Datin Siti Haishah Abd. Rahman, PP of BPG at Ministry of Education was present as well, along with other officers. We were given the outline of the Lesson Plan which was drafted and planned by the English Language panel members of the school. While observing the teacher in the classroom (it was a Form 5's class), we jotted down the strengths of the lesson as well as suggestions in improving the lesson. Another criterion of Lesson Study is to have a discussion (post-teaching feedback) with the teacher and all the English Language panel members. The discussion primarily focuses on whether the Intended Learning Objectives were successfully achieved, the effectiveness of the methodology, class management skills and personal reflection on the lesson itself.

I felt the experience helped me to carry out Lesson Study more effectively in my own school. In fact, I've helped out the Form 6's teachers carried out their Lesson Study in their classrooms. I know what you're thinking, oh no, more workload! Honestly, I had qualms on it too at first. However, after going through the process, I think it's an effective way to foster collaborative learning and implement a continuous professional development in our career. As it is a collaborative effort, it's not about pinpointing an individual's shortcomings but more helping to find solutions in rectifying any issues pertaining to teaching. I've briefed my English Language panel members on Lesson Study and so far, the feedback is positive. I hope we can carry it out after Raya break. For more information on Lesson Study, please check this out.

#2- Johor Student Leaders 2nd Cohort Camp, Kem Tasek, JB

 This is the first phase of the selection for the Johor Student Leaders Council for this year. About 200 student leaders from all over Johor were short-listed and chosen to participate in the Johor Student Leaders Camp. The 3 day-camp (29-31st July) was packed with physical activities, talks, workshops, games and  teambuilding activities. The students had to endure all the rigorous tasks sans ample slumber. The JSLs (Qistina, Sarvind, Kothai, Syafiq, CY, Sebastian and Thanen (Junior Camp Commandent),  facilitated most of the activities during the camp. Miss Azura who was the Camp Commandent did an excellent job of supervising all of the student leaders. Compared to the 1st JSLC Camp, the students' physical endurance and intellectual prowess were way better and it's definitely tough to choose only 20 Johor Student Leaders for this year. I was there as the Camp Coordinator, assisting Pn. Rosliza Rosli, the head of the Internationalisation Unit at JPNJ. I gave a talk on International Relations and Diplomatic Skills on the last day. Apart from that, we carried out Impromptu Speech where student leaders need to come up with an impromptu speech within 30 seconds. It was enlightening to see them enthusiastically volunteer to give their views on the topics given. The second phase would be carried out next month where this time, the focus is on personality and verbal eloquence. Good luck to the candidates!

 

Changes in PMR English Language Paper

I would like to share the latest circular [ KP.LP.003.07.14.03(1) ] issued by the Ministry of Education pertaining to the PMR English Language paper. Starting next year, English Literature Component would no longer be tested in Paper 1 (12/1) but would be assessed in Paper 2 (12/2) in form of open-ended questions (poem) and open response with textual evidence (novel). No more MCQs. Short stories will not be tested.

For further details, please refer to the enclosed circular.

Latest Circular on PMR English Language Format

SPM Past Year's Questions : Novel

YEAR	EXAMINATION ITEM	ELEMENT TESTED
2004	Choose an event in the novel you have studied which you find to be most memorable. Give reasons for your choice and with close reference to the text, discuss the event.	Plot
2005	‘Love is important in a family.’ How is this shown in the novel you have read? Support your answers with close reference to the text.	Theme
2006	The writer describes the main character as a very determined person. Using details from the novel you have studied, write about: -some instances that show the character’s determination. -how the determination affects his/her family.	Character & Characterisation
2007	‘It is important to have a person you look up to in your life.’ From the novel you’ve read, write about one character that you looked up to. Give a reason why you choose him/her.	Character & Characterisation
2008	Describe what happens at the end of the novel and explains why you find the ending happy or sad.	Plot
2009	Using the details from the novel you have studied, write about a difficult decision made by one of the characters.  With close reference to the text, do you think this was the right decision?	Character
2010	Based on the novel that you have read, write about an important incident that you remember. Give reasons why you remember the incidents.	Plot

This morning, I facilitated the Curse Item Building Workshop organised by the Johor Bahru's English Language Panel at SMK Sultanah Engku Tun Aminah (SETA). Despite the fact I just got back from a week meeting with CDD in KL last night, I felt it's my responsibility to be there and assist my team mates ( the ever esteemed Pn. Jamiah and resourceful Pn. Ho).  The main objective of organising this workshop is to assist the teachers in facilitating revision for the Curse as it is the first time it would be tested in SPM this year. Thank you to all the teachers who took part in designing the module. If you are interested to use the module, check out my Scribd doc. Thanks to Ms. Ruzana Saat, the District English Language Officer for her ideas and sponsoring our food :)

Johor's Trial Exam Schedule 2011

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Mag Inc. 2011 : Students' Work

Finally, it's time to send in your mini-mags! Alhamdulillah, 112 students from SMK Tasek Utara are taking part in Mag Inc Competition this year. As this is the first time we're taking part, I think that's a good start. I am extremely proud of my students as they showed tremendous effort in producing their mini-mags.

I've learned a lot of things from coordinating this project. First of all, I need to make sure I relay the accurate information to my students as it's crucial they adhere to the rules and regulations of the competition. Since it was my first time coordinating this project, I had to make a lot of phone calls to Sharon and Brenda, the NIE reps at The Star. Thank you so much for your patience in answering all my queries! Anyway, the NIE workshop I've attended months ago was very helpful as well. To Mr. Aru, thank you so much for sending off the templates despite the short notice. Honestly, this year I am determined to make this work out as my school never participate in Mag Inc Competition before. Hence, I believe it can be a good exposure for students to hone their writing skills and display their creativity as well.

Anyway, I had to remind my students on the dateline constantly but hey, they did it! Brilliant mini-mags produced by diligent and uber-creative students. Despite time constraints, these students raced against time and produced excellent mags. Way to go everyone! Sure, there might be glitches here and there but there's always room for improvement, no? When there's a will, there's a way ;)

The Curse : A Truly Bewitching Performance!

Last Saturday, I had the chance of watching the premiere of 'The Curse...A New Beginning'  at Dewan Sultan Iskandar, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). I was there on behalf of my principal who couldn't make it to the play. She was the former principal of SMK Permas Jaya 3, the school that organised this spectacular event.

The invitation card. I was impressed with the array of top sponsors that supported the staging of this theatre. I am sure it was not an easy feat yet, they successfully pulled it off, kudos SMK Permas Jaya 3! I love the way the Curse's director, Ms. Hafeeza Sulong remarked on her students' performance, "They might be ordinary but they have extraordinary talents!" Indeed, they shone and lit up our fervent interests towards English Literature. I am sure anyone who was present during the theatre would vouch on how mesmerising the performance was. 

 

For those who would like to read up or enhance your understanding on Lee Su Ann's The Curse, you can do so at this link. If you miss the performance last week, fret not. The team would be touring in selected venues in Johor. I will watch the theatre again next week, this time accompanying my Form 5 students. I'm not commissioned to promote this theatre but I couldn't help but to sing praises to it.  Please go and watch the play if you can, it's worth it!
             

DATE	VENUE
18th June 2011	Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM Skudai
2nd July 2011	Dewan Serbaguna Johor Jaya, Johor
9th July 2011	Dewan Pekembar Pagoh, Muar, Johor
16th July 2011	Dewan Jubli Intan Jalan Genuang, Segamat
23rd July 2011	Dewan SRJK (C) Chong Hwa, Kluang
HOTLINE : 010-8259005 , 010-8259006 , 017-2885298
TIME : 8.30am - 11.30am , 2.30pm - 4.30pm , 8.30pm - 11.30pm

Allow me to share an article from The New Straits Times on 'The Curse...A New Beginning' where I gave a comment on the performance.

'The Curse' lifted by a gifted cast

2011/06/21
By Shenton Thomas De Silva

THE Parent-Teacher Association of SMK Permas Jaya 3, Pasir Gudang, recently staged The Curse, a spellbinding theatre play, at Dewan Sultan Iskandar, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Baru. More than 3,000 students from several schools were in attendance.

The play is based on the Malaysian novel by Lee Su Ann, about a girl traumatised by the murder of her sister.

Last year, the school performed The Pearl at Dewan Serbaguna, Johor Jaya, which attracted about 2,700 students. The Pearl is based on a novel by John Steinbeck.
School principal Kamisah Aziz, said theatre and drama would encourage creativity in the students, and promote the use of English.

"The show involved students of all races, in line with the 1Malaysia concept," she said.

Kamisah said the school would continue to stage more of such performances if the response was encouraging.

The play, organised with the help of the Johor Education Department, will next be presented at Dewan Serbaguna in Johor Jaya on July 2. Show times are from 8.30am to noon, and 8pm to 11pm.

Johor Education Department academic management sector deputy head Abu Talib Abdullah, who is also the Bahasa Malaysia department principal assistant director; English department principal assistant director Shanmuganathan Suppiah, and Pasir Gudang district education office English language officer Baharuddin Ishak were among those involved in the organisation of the play.

It was produced with the help of Yayasan Warisan Johor and Akademi Seni Budaya & Warisan Kebangsaan Johor (Aswara).

Talib, who opened the play, hoped the staging of The Curse would generate more students' interest in theatre.

"This is also a step forward in efforts to improve the standard of English among students in the state," he said in his speech.

Talib said involvement in theatre would keep students away from negative activities.

Shanmuganathan, meanwhile, said the play was "educative, informative and entertaining".

"I would personally give the performance 10 out of 10," he said.

The English department principal assistant director expressed the hope that it would spur students to join or start drama or theatre clubs in their schools.

SMK Taman Tun Aminah student E. Povaneswari, 17, said the play taught her a new way to improve her English.

Her schoolmate Wong Hui Shan, 17, said she was encouraged to read more English books after watching it.

"The plot and dialogue were easy to follow," she said.

Huda Mansor, 17, from SMK Sultan Alauddin, loved the teamwork displayed by the cast.

She said the actors performed well as they managed to evoke varied responses from the audience.

"They made us cry and laugh. We were able, in a way, to join them in the story."

Johor Baru district education officer for secondary schools Ruzana Saat said the students delivered an excellent performance.

Nor Fadzleen Sa'don, who teaches at SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Baru, said the students performed beyond all expectations.

The actors rehearsed between five and eight hours a day for four months.

Production manager Munira Abdul Razak, 25, believed that the cast would have done even better if they had had more time to rehearse.

Director Hafeezah Sulong, 34, lauded the actors for their admirable achievement despite their lack of proficiency in English.

She was particularly impressed by Norsyahirah Ahmad Tarmizi, 17, who played the lead character Azreen Saleh.

Norsyahirah managed to memorise 36 pages of script in three weeks.

"She has great potential," said Hafeezah.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/jpsuann2/Article

20th MELTA International Conference 2011

Finally, I have the time to update this blog! I was bogged down with marking the midyear exam's scripts and attending 3 wedding receptions during the school holiday. However, I can't complain much as I had the chance to take a breather by attending the MELTA Conference in Kuala Tererengganu recently. Took a flight to KT with my significant one and I considered this as a professional development cum holiday. The venue for this year's conference is at Primula Beach Resort and I stayed at the hotel for the sake of convenience. It was my first visit to Terengganu and boy, I was blown away by the picturesque scenery, sandy beach and delectable food. Heavenly!

The conference in progress. I thought the Special Featured Session by Toh Puan Seri Wan Hibatul Hidayah Wan Ismail was brilliant. Her witty rhetoric was indeed refreshing . She intertwined her experience growing up and learning the English Language with ways she believe the subject should be taught in schools. The forum on Innovation in Global Learning was an eye-opener for me as I've learned that it is pivotal for teachers to have a stellar support system from the school admins and the parents, in order to sustain our students' learning gratification. Oh yes, the Teach For Malaysia programme is brilliant as Malaysian youths can chip in to teach students from less fortunate backgrounds. Reminded me of Projek Kalsom that was carried out by the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) when I was a student back then.

I presented a paper entitled 'The Fun Theory: Towards the Thinking ESL Classroom.' Alhamdulillah, it turned out well but indeed, there's still room for improvement. From the feedback I've received, a workshop session might be my next attempt as it would illustrate the theories presented more effectively. I think I'm the only teacher presenter who attempted paper presentation as most teacher presenters conducted workshops. It was heartening though, despite the lack of hands-on activity, a lot of participants approached me and gave positive remarks on the presentation. Honestly, I was a bit nervous in presenting ( I always feel the jitters whenever I need to talk in front of everyone) but hopefully, with more practice, I could improve my oratory skills. Thank you to those who attended my session and gave support and constructive criticisms. One can never stop learning in order to improve oneself, no?

One of the perks of attending conference is networking with like-minded teachers who are passionate about professional development. Puteri was my junior back in MPIK and she is known for her bubbly demeanour. We get along very well as we shared similar views and visions on teaching and professional development. She won the Basil Wijayasuriya Award for her workshop presentation on Dictionary Skills. Way to go Pu3! I met Ma, one of the Creative Teachers Showcase's participants who is currently teaching in Kuala Terengganu. She reminded me so much of myself when I started teaching and it's nice to motivate and share experience with the others. Saidatul is so determined to improve her teaching that she flew all the way from Sabah in order to attend this conference. Way to go!

Personally, I would encourage more teachers to attend MELTA Conference as it is a worthy investment in a long run. To me, teaching is not just about relaying information but it is about making connection. From this conference, I've discovered that teachers need to have strong support group from their colleagues as we can assist one another in improving ourselves. I've met a lot of inspiring educators that motivated me to improve my teaching skills. Datin Dr. Raja Mazuin (IPBA) was my former lecturer and she's such an inspiring woman. Dr. Normala (IIU)  has been so supportive of what I do that I am compelled to do something about my professional plan in the future.  Dr. Kabilan (USM) paved the way for me to have a go at academic writing for the upcoming MELTA Journal. I know that I I've only been teaching for 9 years and I still have a long way to go. Hence, I am glad that the MELTA Conference had helped me to develop my potential as an educator. Kudos to Dr. Guna and the MELTA Committee members who have made this conference a success!

I left my heart in Kuala Terengganu. Hope I can come back to Terengganu soon. Thank you for the wonderful memories :)

20th MELTA International Conference

I'm heading off to Kuala Terengganu this weekend for the 20th MELTA International Conference. I've been attending this conference for the past three years and I perceive it as a lifelong investment to my professional development. This year, I'll be presenting a paper on the pedagogical approach in ESL classroom. I'll be talking on The Fun Theory and how it could be beautifully adapted in igniting creative sparks, promoting thinking skills and arousing students' interest in learning. I honestly look forward to learning and sharing new ideas with the local and international delegates. I've discovered that the conference rejuvenates my interests towards learning and rekindles my passion towards teaching. I do hope I could network with other teachers and perhaps, go shopping? Heh. Yeah, there's a lot of marking to be done for sure but I think I deserve to take a breather. Guess I need to plan my holiday carefully.

Happy holidays!

Monthly Update

I was on a long hiatus as I was dealing with a lot of work-related and personal issues. Robbers broke into my house more than three weeks ago and it left a traumatic impact on my family and I. It is a painstaking task to deal with such horrendous experience especially when my husband and I were tied up by the robbers and threatened with life-death situation. However, I believe that eventually, I need to toughen up and move on with my life. Below are some of the other events that happened in the month of May.

Date : 7th May 2011
Event : Public Speaking Competition (district level)

24 schools took part in the competition, held at SMK Taman Sutera. All of the participants displayed their verbal prowess and some of the participants could really speak their minds out.  I was one the judges for the semi-final and the final round of the competition. Had the chance to work with Aishah Goh (SDARY) and Mr. Abd. Rahman (SMK Nusajaya). I had a pleasant surprise when a student from SMK Taman Universiti approached me and introduced himself as a follower of this blog. It was certainly a pleasure meeting you, Faiz. All the best in your upcoming SPM!

Event : Student Leaders Board's Meeting & Recycling Project

The Student Leaders Board held their 3rd meeting to discuss on upcoming projects. The first project is the 2nd Recycling Project that will be carried out at Titiwangsa Apartment. The second project is the Speak Like A Leader Programme that will be held on weekly basis. I am proud of my students as they are attentive and keen on improving their leadership skills. The students were presented with the Johor International Student Leaders Conference's certificates of participation by Ali Asyraf Mohamed, one of the SLB's advisers. 

The Recycling Project in progress. L-R: Adam Daniel, Roshini, Yi Wen (Project Manager), Jasmin and Bernard. Kudos!

Date : 14th May 2011
Event: General Meeting of Majlis Guru Cemerlang JB

The meeting was held at Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar's mini auditorium. The first session was a talk on Lesson Study, a collaborative teaching practice that is carried out widely in Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. The next agenda was the AGM meeting where new committee members were elected and I'm humbled and honoured to be elected as a committee member. Hopefully, I can learn more from the more experienced GCs especially under the leadership of the new President, Pn. Nor Rizah Bongkek (STF). 

Date : 16th May 2011
Event: Teachers' Day 

I had a splendid time celebrating Teachers' Day with all my beloved colleagues and students. I love the T-Day's theme for this year. I believe that as teachers, we need to constantly learn from our mistakes, be humble and upgrade ourselves to be professionally competent as each year progresses. I've learned that you need to persevere and stay optimistic despite the challenges that you may face along the way. At times, I felt so frustrated when my sincere effort in conducting action researches, presenting paper and writing was misjudged by some unfortunate souls. Why can't we support each other rather than spread unsavoury accusations? A good friend once told me that we cannot control other's actions but we can certainly control how we react towards them. I am glad that I have found solace in finding really good friends and mentors who inspire me to be a better teacher. We are the unsung heroes! 

Date : 21st May 2011

Event: Innovation Day & Teachers' Day (District Level)

Alhamdulillah, I am chosen as the recipient of the Leadership Award for Secondary School Teacher Category during the Innovation Day & Teachers' Day Celebration recently. This award only fueled me to improve myself and hopefully, to ignite the teaching drive within me. The pinnacle of awesomeness is when my school won 5 awards ; Anugerah Kepimpinan PK1, Anugerah Kepimpinan PK HEM, Anugerah Kepimpinan PK Koko, Anugerah Kepimpinan Guru Penolong & Pengurusan Kokurikulum. Go Tasek!