Boosting Science Achievement in UASA
SMJK Ave Maria Convent, Ipoh
By Leong Chu Ai, Anne
Background
- Established in 1938, SMJK Ave Maria Convent is a top-performing urban school with 1,339 students.
- In the target class, Form 2P5, students are weak in Science.
- This project began in SMK Jalan Tasek and later replicated in SMJK Ave Maria Convent upon teacher transfer.
The Challenge
- 16/21 students scored D, E & F in last year’s Science Year-end Exam (UASA 2024).
- Teacher can improve in using Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Differentiated Instruction, and checking for understanding.
- Without intervention, fewer quality students will progress to the Science stream in upper secondary.
The Solution: Science Performance Boost
Key Activities
6 targeted lessons focusing on 5E, SEL, and Differentiated instruction strategies.
- Collaboration meetings with form teacher, Science teachers, and counsellor.
- Active formative assessment in every session to check understanding and value student input.
- Goal: 100% improvement in student engagement; 100% students increase minimum of 5 marks in the UASA 2025 exam in May.
Impact So Far
- 71.4% (15/21) of students increased their UASA Science marks; with 61.9% (13/21) improved by at least 5 marks.
- Average class score increased from 39 to 48 marks.
- Teacher scores in SEL and Differentiated instruction improved.
Sustainability & Next Steps
- Continue using 5E, SEL, and Differentiated instruction in all Science lessons.
- Conduct more PLCs with new teachers (<5 years experience) to replicate the model.
- Extend best practice sharing to other Science teachers and subjects across the school.
Contact:
Leong Chu Ai, Anne: anne.thong.leong@gmail.com
Equipping students to succeed in Science and thrive in future STEM pathways.