INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE KBSM SYLLABUS

English is a compulsory subject in all primary and secondary schools curriculum in line with its status as a second language in Malaysia. The Cabinet Committee Report on the Review of the Implementation of the Education Policy !979 states that the teaching of English is to enable all school-leavers to use English in certain everyday situations and work situations. 

Thus, a small literature  component has been added to the curriculum. This will enable learners to engage in wider reading of good works for enjoyment and for self-development. They will also develop an understanding of other societies, cultures, values and traditions that will contribute to their emotional and spiritual growth.

Language Use

The three areas of language use are:

1.Interpersonal

   Language for Interpersonal purposes enables learners to establish and maintain friendships and also collaborate with people to do certain things.

   

2. Informational

    Language for Informational purposes enables learners to use language to obtain, process and give information.

    

3. Aesthetic.

    Language for Aesthetic purposes enables learners to enjoy literary texts at a level suited to their language and to express themselves creatively.

 Language Use for Aesthetic Purposes


In the syllabus it is stated that :

The aesthetic purposes of language use involves the ability to enjoy literary texts at a level appropriate to learners' ability. Learners are also expected to be able to express ideas, thoughts, beliefs and feelings creatively and imaginatively. The study of moral values is also  given emphasis in this area of language use.

literary texts at a level appropriate to learners’ ability.

The Learning Outcomes
 The learning outcomes for aesthetic use are as follows:

1. Listen to, read, view and respond to literary works by

a. understanding and retelling in one’s own words the story, play, poem and song heard and read and the  film viewed and giving one's opinion of the texts;

b. recognising elements in a story such as characters, events;

c. explaining the message the writer is trying to convey and discussing how this relate to one's life;

d. understanding other peoples’ cultures, traditions, customs and beliefs;

e. reciting poems with feeling and expression.

2.  Express themselves creatively and imaginatively by

a. dramatising texts and role-playing characters ;

b. retelling a story from a different point of view and presenting it in another genre:

c. composing simple poems, stories and dialogues.