PBS is a holistic form of assessment which assesses the cognitive, affective and

psychomotor domains encompassing intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects.

Thus PBS is in tandem with the Primary School Standard Curriculum as well as the National
Education Philosophy.

PBS covers both academic and non-academic fields. PBS is carried out continuously in schools
by teachers during the teaching and learning process.
There are 4 components in the PBS:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Central Assessment
School Assessment
Assessment of Sports and Co-curricular activities
Psychometric Assessment

PBS is more holistic and emphasizes all aspects including physical, emotional, spiritual and
intellectual. The present assessment focuses on learners achievement through examination
results. PBS assesses both the learning outcome as well as the learning process. Therefore
both formative and summative assessment which encompass assessment for learning and
assessment of learning are employed. Presently the focus is mainly on assessment of learning
at the end of the learning process which is largely summative in nature.

In an effort to make the present assessment better, Standard Referenced Assessment is

introduced to track the growth and development of each pupil through his/her performance. In
the process it is possible to find out what each pupil know (tahu), understand (faham) and can
apply (boleh buat) or have mastered what has been learnt based on the Performance
Standards which is mapped from the Standard Curriculum.

Furthermore, Standard Referenced Assessment does not compare a pupils achievement with
his/her peers instead it reports each pupils growth and development by comparing his/her
performance against a statement of standards.

PBS gives autonomy and due recognition to teachers to carry out formative and summative
school-based assessment at their discretion. In this manner teachers integrity and credibility will
be enhanced. Teachers are most suitable to assess their pupils because they :

Can continuously monitor their pupils growth

Can provide constructive feedback to help improve pupils learning abilities
Better understand the context and environment most conducive to assess pupils
Appraise and provide feedback based on the Performance Standards

Performance Standard is a set of statements detailing the achievement and mastery of an

individual within a certain discipline, in a specific period of study based on an identified
benchmark. The Performance Standard will help inform the appraiser on the best and most
suitable way to assess individuals fairly in a focused manner based on the predetermined set of
standards.

Feedback based on the Performance Standards can help students identify his/her strength and
weaknesses, common errors made and areas that need more attention as well as steps to take
in order to improve. Constructive and meaningful feedback can help pupils focus on their
learning progress. Hence pupils will be more motivated to work harder and perform better in the
future. Parents may request for a report on their childs progress any time provided the
particular topic and relevant skills connected to the topic has been assessed.

Standardization ensures the uniformity of understanding among all assessors of the

rules/marking schemes/rubrics. The process is necessary to make sure the construct,
grade/scoring scale are of the same standard thus ensuring the credibility and reliability of
scores awarded. Internal standardization is coordinated by the Ketua Panitia, Ketua Bidang,
Guru Cemerlang Mata Pelajaran. External standardization is coordinated by officers appointed
by the Examinations Syndicate. It is the process of assisting, facilitating and guiding teachers to
conduct PBS according to set guidelines and procedures.

Ketua Panitia, Ketua Bidang, Guru Cemerlang Mata Pelajaran Master Trainers and
Headmasters/Principals or any appointed teacher can take on the role of Internal Mentors.
External Mentors are officers from the Examinations Syndicate, State Education Department
and District Education Departments. It is the process of ensuring PBS is conducted according to
set guidelines and procedures.

Internal monitoring is conducted by a teacher chosen by the School PBS Committee. External
Monitors can be any officer from the Ministry of Education. Teachers are encouraged to do so
for mutual benefit. Cross monitoring will enhance the reliability and credibility of PBS. Teachers
integrity should not be doubted. Credibility is ensured through mentoring, standardization
monitoring, and detection. If the Headmaster/Principal or Senior Assistant teaches any subject
in any number of classes then they should also be monitored.