COMPARATIVE STUDY IN

CURRICULUM
GROUP 7
LEONDY PADAN ANAK JAME (S2162334)
ARNI NURFATIN BINTI ARPA (S2168437)
MUHAMAD NAZMI BIN MOHD TAUPIK (S2170169)
FIKRY BIN BAKAR (S217168065)
COMPARISON OF ENGLISH LITERATURE BETWEEN STPM
AND SINGAPORE A LEVEL
i) Structure of curriculum
MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
PRE-UNIVERSITY Sijil Tinggi Singapore-Cambridge
EXAMINATION Persekolahan Malaysia General certificate of
(STPM) Education Advanced Level
(SGCE A-level)
Malaysian Examinations Ministry of Education in
Council. collaboration with
ISSUED BY Singapore Examinations
and Assessment Boards
(SEAB) and University
of Cambridge Local
Examinations Syndicate
(UCLES)
 MALAYSIA
LEARNING OUTCOMES • Identify and describe literary
elements
• Analyze and interpret the theme
of literature
• Synthesize relevant points from
literature
• Objectives remain the same in
each terms.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Demonstrate understanding of text
by giving critical response using
relevant material
• Show how meaning is conveyed
through use of literary devices
• Demonstrate awareness of social
background of text
SINGAPORE
• Analyse critically the
construction of text
• Communicate the knowledge of
literary study in a clear way
• Understand literary text based on
its historical backgrounds
• The objectives change depending
on the level of difficulty in H1
(easy), H2 (medium) and H3
(difficult).
• in H1, giving critical response
in a brief way
• in H2, giving complex critical
response by exploring connection
between texts
• in H3 which is optional, the
critical response emphasize on
evaluating literary text based on
context of its history
 MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
DURATION OF STUDY • 24 months, students studied • 15 months, students studied
the literature material literature material given
given regardless of its based on depth of material
difficulty starting from beginner (H1),
medium (H2) and hard (H3).
H3 is optional and not
mandatory for students
TYPE OF LITERATURE IN • Poetry, short stories, play • Poetry, prose and drama in
CURRICULUM and novels H1, H2 and H3.

LITERATURE SYLLABUS • Covers a variety of topics • Based on three main points

with emphasized on local which is cross cultural
literature skills, critical thinking
• Short stories from local skills and communication
authors skills
• Poetries from local poets
 MALAYSIA
EXAMINATIONS FORMAT • Closed-book test
• One paper with three
sections
• in Section A, students must
give critical response to
literature works
• in Section B, students must
answer essay question based
on two poems from syllabus
• in section C, students must
answer essay question based
on short stories from
syllabus
SINGAPORE
• Open-book test
• H1 and H2 are mandatory
• in H1, one paper with three
sections where student need
to give concise critical
analysis of literature
material
• in H2, two papers where
paper 1 are compulsory and
paper 2 have two elective
papers and students have to
answer only one
• in H3 (optional), student
must submit a research
essay of 3000-3500 words
together with evaluative
commentary of 800-1200
words
 ii) Similarities and Differences

STPM ENGLISH LITERATURE SINGAPORE A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE

SIMILARITIES • Both curricula share objectives where they require the students to critically
analyze and synthesize the relevant points from literature materials
• Both curricula also incorporated literature materials from local authors, case in
point short stories studied in STPM are based on works by local authors while in
Singapore the poem studied are based on works by local authors.
• Both curricula have their literature text issued by Ministry of Education of
respective governments.
• Both curricula also share areas of study where it requires the student to
understand the relevance of literary devices used
• 24 months of study • 15 months of study
• Examination is closed book • Examination is open-book
DIFFERENCES • The literature material analyzed are • The literature material analyzed is
only poetries, short stories, play and only poetry, prose and drama
novels • In each term, the level of difficulty
• Examinations paper is subdivided into of subjects gradually increases from
3 sections in every term throughout 24 H1 (beginner) to H2 (medium).
months • H1 and H2 are mandatory while H3 is
• No research essay involved optional
• The depth of material covered in each • Examinations are based on the depth of
term is denser as students have to the subject studied
analyze more literature materials.
• In each term, the level of difficulty
remains the same.
 iii) Strengths and Weaknesses
STPM ENGLISH LITERATURE
STRENGTHS • formalistic approach
• closed-book test, motivation
• the students are more exposed to the
literary devices
• students also have the opportunity to
analyze the socio-cultural impact of
these literature through their own
lenses
• wide range of type of literature
material, deeper level of knowledge
and understanding
• amount of literature material covered
are dense, difficult coping
WEAKNESSES • formalistic approach, exam oriented
syllabus, not appreciating the
aesthetic value of literature
• exceptional students who have a deep
passion for literature might the
syllabus too rigid.
• closed-book test are mostly difficult
to score
SINGAPORE A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE
• open-book test, easy to score
• the syllabus is a result of three
domains; civic literacy skills,
critical thinking skills and
communication skills, holistic
students
• the syllabus is divided according to
depth of material in each term which
gives the student a more organized
approach without making them feel
overwhelmed
• exceptional students can expand their
knowledge by taking H3 level
• the literature materials covered are
more concise
• the amount of literature covered are
less, restrictive to some
• hybrid informal and formal approach
can make the student fail to
appreciate the significance of
literary devices used as they are more
concerned with liberalistic approach
• open-book test might not motivate
student to take their paper seriously
COMPARISON OF MATHEMATICS BETWEEN SPM AND
SINGAPORE O LEVEL
i) Differences in Structure of curriculum
MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
EXAMINATION Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia The Singapore-Cambridge
(SPM). GCE 'O' Level Programme.

Malaysian Examinations Cambridge Assessment

Council. International Education,
ISSUED BY the Ministry of Education,
Singapore and the
Singapore Examinations
and Assessment Board
(SEAB).
 MALAYSIA SINGAPORE
• Knowledge and • Acquire math concepts and
understanding of skills for daily use and to
LEARNING OBJECTIVES mathematics. continue learning
• Develop basic computation mathematics.
skills. • Develop cognitive and
• Become mathematical metacognitive skills
problem solvers. through a mathematical
approach to problem-
solving.
• Establish positive attitudes
towards mathematics.
 MALAYSIA
DURATION OF STUDY • 3 years of lower secondary
school referred as Secondary 1,
2 and 3. Secondary education
for Malaysian students starts at
the age of 13.
• 2 years of upper secondary
school referred as Secondary 4
and 5.
SINGAPORE
• 4 to 5 years in secondary school.
• Is based on results of the PSLE,
students undergo secondary
education in either the Special,
Express or Normal(Academic) or
Normal (Technical) courses.
• Students under the Special or
Express courses take the O-level
• Students under the Normal
(Academic) or Normal
(Technical) take the GCE ‘N’
levels after 4 to 5 years of
education.
 MALAYSIA
Mathematics • For the Secondary School Standard Curriculum
Framework (KSSM), the areas of learning include
operations and numbers, measurement and
geometry, functions and algebra, statistics and
probabilistic, and discrete mathematics.
• Applied Problem based/Project Based,
Problem-solving, Inquiry-based learning,
Constructism.
• The KBSM mathematics framework provides a
set of broad learning outcomes that summarize
the knowledge, skills and understanding, values
and attitudes essential for all students to
succeed in and beyond their schooling.
Grades • A+, A, A-, B+, B, C+, C, D, E, G.
Language • Malay & English.
SINGAPORE
• For high school level (Numbers,
Functions, Geometry, Analysis,
Probability,and Statistics).
• Problem-solving-based learning in the
pentagon framework.
• The main topics in O- Level
Mathematics for Secondary 1, 2, 3/4
comprised of three topics namely
Numbers and Algebra, Geometry and
Measurement and topics on Statistics
and Probability.
• In 0-Level Additional Mathematics for
Secondary 3/4, the topics are Algebra,
Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus.
• A1, A2, B3, B4, C5, C6, D7, E8, F9.
• English.
 Topics/Sub-topics MMC SMC
Set language and notation Form 4 Secondary Two
Mathematics Reasoning Form 4 Not covered at any secondary level

Quadratic expressions and equations Form 4 Secondary Two

• Factorise quadratic expressions

Functions and Graphs Form 4 Secondary One

• The gradient of a linear graph as the
ratio of the vertical change to the
horizontal change
Solutions of equations and Linear Form 3 Secondary One
inequalities
• Use of symbols <, >
• Solving simple inequality
Statistics and Probability Form 2 Secondary One
• Data handling (Tables, Bar Graphs,
Pictograms, Line Graphs, Pie Charts
and Histograms)
Circles Form 2, 3 and 4 Secondary Three/Four
Matrices Form 5 Secondary Three/Four
 iii) Similarities of Malaysia and Singapore Mathematics Curriculum

MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

Similarities • Mathematics is a national main examination conducted at the

end of secondary education.

• Calculators are allowed to be used in both countries.

• Syllabus in mathematics that been taught are mostly the same

between Malaysia and Singapore.

• The school-based assesments are implemented in both

countries.

• Compulsory subjects in Malaysia and Singapore.

 iv) Strength and Weaknesses of Malaysia and Singapore Mathematics Curriculum
MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

STRENGTH AND • Malaysia relied on algorithms, • Singapore implemented problem-

WEAKNESSES
memorization, and repetitive solving mathematical learning
exercises. methods.
• Malaysian mathematics education • Teachers give significant instructional
attempts to strengthen students’ materials and practice questions
mathematical comprehension and during the learning process to
problem-solving ability. enhance students’ capacity to find a
• The expected abilities are solution.
mathematical ability, analysis, • The mathematical ability of students
problem-solving, problem in Singapore has been more advanced
investigation, mathematical because the ability of students to
communication, and the use of solve problems (problem-solving) is
technology. the main goal of learning
mathematics in Singapore.
 COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM BETWEEN
CHINA, MALAYSIA AND KOREA
COUNTRY CHINA MALAYSIA KOREA
COMPULSARY • Primary: • Primary & • Compulsory
Compulsary secondary from 1to 10
compulsory grade. Elective in
11 to 12 grades.Not
widely
encouraged in
secondary

Grades • First year • Standard 1 to • Grade 1 to 12

primary to form 5.
Periods • PE Time: Grade 1 • PE Time:standard • Less than 4 %
to 2 , 4 hours. 1 to form 5 – 1 for elementary,
Grade 3 tO 6 , 3 hour 8% for middle
hours.
COUNTRY CHINA MALAYSIA KOREA
Frequency • Extracurricular activities: Morning 2 times a week Daily
exercises,class break exercises,
competitions,events and after school
sports.
Activities • Standardized teaching material:basic • Teaching material: • Same activities
content fundamental motor skills, resources:fitness, throughout the
athletics, games, gymnast, martial skills & sports years. Soccer or
arts &traditional sports.Knowledge basketball
aboutsports, health &
safety.Psychological development
emphasizes resilience & cooperative
skills.
Level • Primary education levels : grade 1 - -
to 2, grade 3 to 4, grade 5 to 6.

Examination • Need to pass standardized PE test to • Non examination -

continue their Edu to next levels. subject,considered
least important
decisions affecting
the subject
 COMPARISON OF SCIENCE BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND
SINGAPORE - LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL GRADES 7-9 (13-15
YEARS OLD)
i) Structure of curriculum
MALAYSIA
Lower secondary • Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3):
examinations 2014-2021
• Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah
(PBS): Currently
• Upon receiving their results,
students will be allowed to
choose a stream (the subjects of
their focus for the next year) of
their choice, depending on their
results, which will then allow
them to proceed to Form 4 in the
following year.
SINGAPORE
• There have no examination
during their 15 years-old.
• After PSLE examination (12
years old), the students
streamed into different
streams (Express/ Normal
(Academic)/ Normal
(Technical) to take GCE O
Level Examination or GCE N
(A)/ (T) Levels when they 16.
 MALAYSIA
Syllabus structure • The content for the Science
Curriculum Standard for Lower
Secondary Schools is based on
four disciplines of science
(biology, chemistry, physics, and
Earth science) arranged into five
themes (Scientific Methodology,
Maintenance and Continuity of
Life, Exploration of Elements in
Nature, Energy and Sustainability
of Life, and Exploration of Earth
and Outer Space).
The mediums of teaching • The national language of
instruction Malaysia—Malay
• It was only in 2003-2013 Malaysia
made English as the medium of
instruction for science and
mathematics teaching in both
primary and secondary levels.
SINGAPORE
• The five themes at the
primary level are diversity,
cycles, energy, interactions,
and systems. The lower
secondary science curriculum
builds on the themes at the
primary level, with an
additional theme on models,
and continues the way science
is taught at the primary
level as a way of exploring
and understanding the
physical and natural world.
• Singapore chose the
international language—
English
 MALAYSIA
Learning outcomes • The application of knowledge in
science, scientific skills, thinking
skills, and scientific attitudes and
values enables students to solve
problems and make decisions in daily
life and prepares them to continue
their studies in science and
technology.
Learning objectives • To strengthen and develop creativity
among students through experience and
investigation to master knowledge in
science, scientific skills, thinking
skills, and scientific attitudes and
values.
• To prepare students to face rapid
technological development and various
challenges of the 21st century, such
as the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(IR 4.0).
SINGAPORE
• The curriculum enables students
to appreciate the pursuit of
science as meaningful and
useful, as it is grounded in
knowledge, issues, and
questions that relate to the
role of science in daily life,
society, and the environment.
• To develop their understanding
of how science is practiced and
applied, and are provided with
further hands-on learning
opportunities situated in
everyday contexts. This process
enables students to make
connections in science with
their own lives and the
environment.
 MALAYSIA SINGAPORE

• Scores 438, number 48 from 78

PISA 2018 • Scores 551, top 2
country

PISA is the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment. PISA measures 15-year-olds’
ability to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life
challenges.

• Scores 460 – number 29 from 39

TIMMS 2019 • Scores 608, top achievers
country

TIMMS is Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study by the International Association for
the Evaluation of Education Achievement (IEA) test Grade 4 (primary-10 years old) and Grade 8
(secondary-14 years old) students on common elements of primary and secondary school curricula.
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