At the end of April of this year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) for Standard 6 students will be abolished starting this year, which leaves us parents with the question of – how will we know where our child is on their learning journey without UPSR?

Parents all around Malaysia had mixed reactions, with some saying that it might be good since it will reduce the pressure and stress, while others expressed their concerns about wanting to know where their child stands in their studies.

 

The most important thing is to ensure that your child is on track and not falling behind. When it comes to language, English is no doubt one of the most important languages in the world, be it for studies, work or simply communication.

 

So if you’re wondering how you can determine your child’s level of English and be informed about their progress as they learn, Cambridge English For Life is one place you should look into. They will be happy to help you understand your child’s current progress.

 

What is Cambridge English For Life (CEFL)?

There are more than 70 Cambridge English For Life centres across Malaysia that deliver high quality and internationally-recognised English language programmes where children as young as 4 years old or even adults can learn how to read, write, listen and speak confidently in UK-standard English.

 

They have been the Best English Language Centre two years in a row and were voted the Best English Blended Learning Programme this year in the Parents’ Choice Awards 2021. Known for their modern teaching methods that produce optimum results, their teaching and learning techniques are designed to build confidence and to achieve success no matter what age you are.

 

How can I know the best class for my child?

Children tend to make the best progress when their learning activities are at the right level. It’s important to strike that perfect balance where the lessons aren’t so hard for your child that they get demotivated to learn, but also not so easy that they don’t learn anything new or find the work challenging, which could lead to boredom and a lack of interest.

 

At Cambridge English For Life, the journey begins with your child taking a Placement Test to determine their current English proficiency. From there, CEFL will recommend the best level that suits your child, so that they can catch up, keep up or get ahead in English. The most suitable course isn’t determined by age, but by proficiency, to help find that perfect balance your child needs.

 

The best class for your child is the one where they are engaged and excited to learn. At CEFL, they carefully select the content to be sure it can hold your child’s interest. They are the chosen partner of National Geographic Learning and have the exclusive rights in Malaysia to use the ‘Our World’ series which brings the world to the classroom and the classroom to life for all of their English for Preschoolers and English for Primary Students courses. Likewise, they have carefully selected materials with ‘teen appeal’ for their English for Secondary to University Students.

 

 

How can I stay up-to-date on the progress my child is making?

Cambridge Assessment English offers the world’s most recognised exams and tests and CEFL is an Authorised Exam Centre that not only facilitates the exams, but also prepares students to excel. Not only will the results give you peace of mind that your child is making steady progress, but research shows that children are motivated and happy to receive an internationally recognised certificate from a department of the University of Cambridge.

 

The Ministry of Education uses the Common European Framework of Reference as the benchmark for students’ progress, and the Cambridge Assessment English exams use the same scale. This will help you gauge how well your child is doing compared to what is expected of them in school.

 

But with the current pandemic, how are lessons being delivered?

During these unprecedented times, it is best that we remain flexible, especially when it comes to our children’s studies. As we continue to fight this pandemic, we must find a way to ensure that our children do not fall behind in their learning while also
keeping them safe.

 

At CEFL, you’ll have the option of sending your child for physical classes (when they are allowed), or you can also register for online classes. For physical classes, CEFL has strict SOPs which were created in partnership with Columbia Asia Hospital. You can refer to the guidelines on their website.

 

Whether it’s physical classes or online classes, CEFL’s content and materials are 100% the same. They’ve adapted to the pandemic and provide students a blended experience for continuous learning. It is no wonder that they were voted the Best English Blended Learning Programme this year in the Parents’ Choice Awards 2021.

 

If you are unsure about the classes, you can always get in touch with a centre near you to discuss the best learning option suitable for your child.

 

Your encouragement goes a long way!

Although exams are one way of finding out where your child is in their learning, it’s also important to encourage them to check and reflect on their own work. We want our children to learn to be independent in their learning and be more involved in the learning process instead of just doing it for the sake of ‘mum and dad told me to do so’. Your encouragement will help them to excel.

 

Talk to your child about why they are learning English and why it’s important to improve their English. It’s good to have reasons for learning English, other than test results. This will help drive your child forward and can act as a great motivation for them as they go through the journey. So although the UPSR exams have been abolished, it is important to recognise where your child is, what has been achieved, where they’re going, as well as how your child can improve.

 

For more information about Cambridge English For Life, head over to www.cambridgeforlife.org .