Cms @ Teachers Christian Fellowship

F A Qs
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING SPM BIBLE KNOWLEDGE (BK)

Q. Can I take BK as an eleventh or twelfth SPM subject?

Yes, according to newspaper reports on the 25 December 2009, students can take BK as an eleventh or twelfth subject for SPM. Please remind me to upload the circular when it comes out.

Q. Can any Form Four student take this subject?

Yes, provided there is parental approval. Also see sample letters to school authorities.

Q. Can the school authority disallow a student from taking this subject?

This is an official subject offered by the Ministry of Education Examination Syndicate. Schools have no authority to prevent eligible students from taking this elective subject.

Q. With such a heavy study work load, why should a student take on another sunject?

There are at least five good reasons: The subject enables the student to have a more complete and wholesome education. It lays a good foundation for character building, augmenting what is taught in Pendidikan Moral. It helps to improve a student’s command of English. Good use is made of the provision extended to Christians by the Ministry of Education. It helps a Christian to fulfill his/her Christian duty to study the Scripture.

Q. What if my English is not very good?

A good command of English is certainly helpful. However a functional command of English is sufficient. The Good News Version ( from SPM 2007 onwards ) uses simpler language.

Q. What is required of the student?

To attend classes like any other SPM subject. To study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ based on The Gospel of Luke and the foundation and growth of the early church based on The Acts of the Apostles. Candidates will be required to answer a 2½ hour paper based on the two books. All students who are unable to find a BK teacher must be committed to self-study.

Q. What about the teachers?

As this subject is an elective outside the KBSM, the school will not provide you with teaching or teachers. However, some schools allow Christian volunteers / teachers who are willing to teach a class after normal school hours. Some churches have organized classes for students on Saturdays or Sundays. Interested students should check with their school, or a Christian teacher or church leader. (More information can be obtained from Teachers’ Christian Fellowship.)

Q. What about textbooks?

Two excellent study guides, one for Luke’s Gospel and one for Acts, contain the text in the Good News version as well as questions, notes and helpful answers. They are for sale at several places. (Information on page 4) The Good News version is the standard text from year 2007onwards. (See Introduction on page 5)

Q. When and where can I register as a candidate?

In your school, when you register for your other SPM subjects. This registration is around February. Do sign up for regular classes in Form Four. Register for BK with other SPM subjects in Form Five.

Q. Where can I take BK classes?

In churches, a few govt.schools, homes and borrowed premises. Some private schools have BK on their timetable.

Click here or the link ‘List of BK classes’ on the left-hand bar to find out more.

Q. If there is no BK class in my town, what can I do?

Please email Mrs Kua ( mk964@streamyx.com ) or phone: 03-78765897. Or you can speak to your church leaders about starting a class.

Q. When are the BK classes held?

Afternoons, nights, Saturdays and Sundays depending on the arrangements suitable to the BK teacher and the students.

Q. Who are the teachers?

Volunteers (educators, pastors, engineers, doctors, parents, etc.) - people who love the Word and will study along with the students and prepare them for the SPM paper.

Q. How long is the course?

About 8 months in Form 4 and 8 months in Form 5. Weekly lessons of about 1½ - 2 hours.

Q. Are many students taking this subject and do they do well?

An increasing number sign up each year. Many do well. Those who love God’s word and study it consistently (like for their other subjects) score their As.

Q. What benefits can I get from taking SPM BK?

Luke and Acts are God’s Word for every believer. You are not just an exam candidate. You are a follower of Christ. When you know His word in-depth, you can develop a strong relationship with the Lord and follow Him with joy and confidence! Join a class. Give priority, make sacrifices to study God’s Word well! The Holy Spirit is your Teacher! You will enjoy the benefits now and throughout life! Honouring God as a student is the beginning of wisdom.

Q. My English ability is poor? Should I take SPM BK?

It is still good to join a class in Form 3 or 4 and get into the 2 SPM texts (Luke and Acts). Decide when you are in Form 5 whether you will sign up for the subject. Keep your interest in God’s Word. Use a Chinese or BM version to help you understand the text. God speaks to you as you study to know what He says and how He changes the world through people who love and obey Him.

Q. I am a very good student. With straight A’s in the SPM, I may be able to get a scholarship. How can I be sure of getting A in BK?

Same way you get an A in Bahasa Melayu. You use it, love the language, understand the exam requirements, get plenty of practice, appreciate the discipline needed to master BM. With BK, the attitude that it is less important than other subjects leads to poorer grades. Commitment to God’s Word is the key. Engaging the whole heart and mind is needed to honour God. He is the giver of life, scholarships, wisdom and the best plan for the future. This subject equips you for the future. Shouldn’t a very good student be eager to desire God’s will and purpose?

Q. So what’s the SPM BK paper like?

The SPM paper is well-designed and is a fair paper. See info in Syllabus (p.5) and sample paper (p.32-33).

Q. Why should I do an in-depth study of SPM BK when I have already so many subjects?