The Rationale Behind Content in English Language Teaching Materials for Primary Education/KBSR

Abstract

The KBSR programme was introduced as a pilot scheme in 1982 following the Cabinet Committee Report on Education. A 1981 Curriculum Development Centre Report on Proficiency Levels of Primary School Children in Basic Schools revealed some shocking findings. Only 55 per cent of Standard 6 pupils achieved the required proficiency level in reading skills, while only 50 per cent had sufficient writing skills. Only 37 per cent of pupils in national schools could do arithmetic. The KBSR programme at the lower primary level can therefore be viewed as a basic literacy programme.