Special colleges for Sixth Formers?

KUALA LUMPUR: Form Six students may attend special colleges with flexible school hours by next year.

As part of its programme to "re-brand" Form Six, the Education Ministry is looking at the school system in Brunei, where Sixth Formers attend their own colleges, said secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Zulkurnain Awang.

"We are looking into it, but a lot has to be taken into consideration," he said after opening a National Science Fair for Young Children at the National Science Centre yesterday.

In Brunei, Form Five students who qualify can move on to a two-year pre-university course before they begin their tertiary education.

Zulkurnain said the ministry was also looking at flexible school hours for Form Six students.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein would announce the details soon.

He was commenting on the re-branding of Form Six announced on Friday.

He said the students would be regarded as under-graduates and would attend lectures and tutorials at pre-university level. They will be taught by teachers with higher qualifications, who will only work with Form Six students.

Last year, more than 180,000 students qualified for Form Six.

Meanwhile, Zulkurnain said the ministry hoped to cut its operational costs by RM100 million starting this year.

He said the ministry sent a circular to all school heads two weeks ago, telling them to cut spending on events and souvenirs.

"We spend RM19 billion a year, and we could save millions. Door gifts, souvenirs for VIPs and overseas meetings should be avoided. If they want to give a souvenir, a basket of fruits will do."

He said the money saved could be used to improve canteens and toilets, and set up new schools.

New Straits Times Online: 15 Jun 2008