Kuala lumpur: The Learning Metrics approach for Year Four and Form Three pupils is not merely a public examination system, but rather an assessment method that focuses on providing early and phased learning support for pupils, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the assessment-based approach was introduced to ensure pupils' mastery levels can be identified at an early stage, thus enabling teachers and schools to plan suitable curriculum reinforcement measures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the implementation of the Learning Metrics at Year Four is intended to ensure there is still a two-year period to carry out interventions should weaknesses or learning gaps be identified at an early stage before entering Form One. Overall, the Learning Metrics serves as a mechanism for intervention and learning reinforcement, in addition to supporting the implementation of the new curriculum, she said at a press conference after the launch of the National Education Blueprint (RPN) 2026-2035.

The Learning Metrics will be implemented by the Examinations Board as the authorised body, with the aim of instilling public confidence in the assessment. For Year Four, it will be carried out in October this year, while for Form Three, it will be implemented in 2027. It involves four subjects for Year Four pupils, namely Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, and Science, while Form Three will involve five subjects, namely Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Science, and History.

According to Fadhlina, the Learning Metrics approach will also indirectly prepare pupils to face three international assessments, namely the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM). Fadhlina, meanwhile, stressed that the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) and Form Three Assessment (PT3) will not be reinstated, as they are no longer suitable for today's students.

This Learning Metrics is considered to be more effective than UPSR and PT3 because its scope focuses on improvement and intervention. UPSR and PT3 are deemed unsuitable for the current generation, and the Ministry of Education has also received feedback from many parents who are comfortable with their children not having examinations.

The RPN 2026-2035 is an education reform initiative aimed at building a more equitable, competitive, and values-based future generation. The new education blueprint involves two ministries, namely the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and is a national strategic education plan that encompasses the entire education ecosystem, from school level to higher education.