No more written test for Science paper in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams this year

Students taking the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams this year will no longer take the written test for physics, biology, chemistry, and additional science. Instead, students will have a practical exam  to ensure that they master science process skills.

The re-introduction of the practical exam was first proposed in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 and schools have been formally notified of this change via a circular issued by the Examinations Syndicate last June.

In this practical exam, students will have to carry out experiments individually based on instructions given, and their marks will be reduced if the invigilator steps in to help them.

Practical science tests were carried out in SPM until 1999, when they were replaced by written tests and continuous school-based practical science assessments (Penilaian Kerja Amali Sains or Peka).

While students were given marks for Peka from Form Four itself, these marks were not factored into their SPM grades.

Although Peka will no longer be carried out for the four subjects, the circular reminded schools to “make sure that practical work for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Additional Science is carried out as per the syllabus”.