Excerpted from Berita Harian

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) announced on Wednesday that all but four of the 352 madrasah students who took the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) this year qualified for secondary school (Nov 24).

It’s a 0.3 percentage point increase over the previous year’s result for students enrolled in madrasahs, or Islamic religious schools.

Muis acknowledged that Covid-19 has created a difficult environment in the lead up to the national exam, but stated that the proportion of primary 6 madrasah students moving to secondary school has been consistent over the previous five years.

The outcome, according to Muis CEO Kadir Maideen, reflects the perseverance of not just the students, but also the instructors and parents.

Mr Kadir stated, “Handling Covid-19 and preparing for the tests has been a difficult task.”

“We are pleased with the level of collaboration and dedication demonstrated by all participants. I’d want to express my gratitude to our madrasah instructors, who have worked diligently to ensure that our students are properly prepared for PSLE “Added he.

Nur Haziqah Mohammad Azar, who has dyspraxia, a mobility and coordination problem, took the PSLE as a student at Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah.

The 12-year-old, who was accepted into the Express program, explained: “I’m pleased with the overall outcome. There have been obstacles, but with the help of my family, friends, and instructors, I have surmounted them.”

“I want to keep studying hard and doing well in school so that I may follow my interest for math and one day become a scientist.”

Norjiha Kamsani, her mother, said: “I’m speechless; I can’t believe what I’m hearing. We are ecstatic for her since she has done so well.”

Nur Haziqah won a bronze medal in the Math Olympiad in 2018 and received a scholarship from the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries.

She won the Madrasah Student Award this year, which is granted to the top 5% of best performers and top 5% of best improved students in secular and religious disciplines.

According to Muis, Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah would be permitted to continue to accept kids in Primary 1 after clearing the PSLE standard twice in a three-year period starting in 2020.

Separately, Muis said that its PSLE Assistance Package will be extended to all full-time madrasah students sitting the national test.

Muis awarded $218,700 in awards to 729 Primary 5 and 6 students in 2021, or $300 per beneficiary, to aid them with their education and PSLE preparation.

The PSLE-ready package was initially offered in 2007 to help all madrasah students prepare for their first PSLE sitting.

Those who are awarded the grant can use it to attend PSLE-related workshops and participate in extracurricular activities.

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