Empowering Rural Students in English - HIP Project
SK St. Joseph, Kuala Penyu
By Melanie Binti Sivelis
Background
- SK St. Joseph is a rural school in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, serving 92 students—many from farming, fishing, and rubber-tapping families.
- English language proficiency remains low among students.
The Challenge
- 55.1% of students (27 pupils) are still at PBD Level 3 out of 6.
- 73% scored grades C, D, or E in last year’s Year-end Exam (UASA 2024).
- 75% of students feel English is difficult, have low confidence, and lack a supportive environment – hence only a few participate in English-related activities.
Without intervention, these will affect students in the secondary school years and SPM.
The Solution: HIP – “Now Everyone Can Accelerate in English”
A fun, school-wide Highly Immersive Programme (HIP) for 46 students (Years 4–6), run by 3 experienced English teachers and supported by 11 other teachers.
Key Activities
- Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) – 32 sessions
- English Assemblies & Action Songs – to boost fluency and confidence
- Spelling Games & English Days – to expand vocabulary
- Creative Scrapbooks – My Song Book, Storybook, Poem Book
- Movie Time & Book Talks – to spark interest and improve speaking
- Goal: 70% of students are interested in participating in English activities; 37% students improve from Level 3 to Level 4 by June 2025; and 3 students improve from E to D by May 2025.
Impact So Far
- 80% of students increased confidence and interest in learning English.
- 91% advanced to PBD Level 4 and above.
- The number of students at unsatisfactory levels dropped from 73% to 61%.
- 50% of students who previously scored an E improved to at least a D.
- Students now watch English films and listen to English songs on their own initiative.
Sustainability & Next Steps
To sustain and grow this initiative, we aim to:
- Set up Interactive Reading Corners in multiple classrooms
- Build a library of age-appropriate English books
- Track progress digitally via DELIMa & AINS platforms under MOE.
- Continue partnerships with groups like FINCO.
How You Can Help
Your support can help rural children gain confidence, raise achievement, and access greater opportunities through joyful English learning. We are seeking:
- Attractive and age-appropriate storybooks to enrich our children’s reading experiences; primary school children 7-12 years old.
- Funding of RM3,000 to establish engaging reading corners in five classrooms and one outdoor space. This includes purchase of storybooks and cozy, child-friendly furnishing to promote a joyful and comfortable reading experience.
Contact:
Melanie Sivelis: melaniesivelis@gmail.com or +6016-8408764
Let’s unlock English for every child—starting in Kuala Penyu.