VENCERA’s study tips

A survey on Vencera’s SPM study tips was conducted in March 2019. A total
of 44 pax responded to the survey. The results are as follows:

Q1: How many As did you achieve in recent SPM?

A total of 93.2% respondents scored a minimum of 6As and 68.2% of that

percentage, scored 9-10As. A total of 58 pax scored straight As in 2018 SPM
exams and this population of 9-10As in this survey makes up about 52%,
which can be considered as a high response rate.

Q2: Their study tehniques in F4-5 are analysed.

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Study techniques were listed and based on number of those chosen:

1. Majority of them about 47.7% had peer mentors when they needed
help in their studies. Helping each other in studies is found to be crucial
in achieving high grades.
2. Next, about 45.5% of them finished their homework on time and
approached teachers for assistance. It is important that students are
not shy in asking questions or ask for help from teachers, whenever in
doubt.
3. Then about 45.5% of them did prior years’ test papers. This indicated
own initiatives and self-discipline to do that extra work.
4. Study groups were considered important by 34.1% of the
respondents. As indicated in 2017’s survey on 5 Taat class, discussing
prior years’ papers with mentors/peers were found to be good revision
exercises and discussions would highlight weak areas for further study.
This method was proven to be essential in written subjects such as
Sejarah and BM.
5. Attending tuition classes at home was also an important factor
(31.8%) especially on difficult subjects such as Add Maths and
Chemistry.
6. Having study plans were also important (29.5%) in order to stay
focused on goals.
7. Preparing ahead of class was considered important by 13.6% of the
respondents, followed by paying attention in class.

Q3: When asked to elaborate on techniques above:

The common themes, especially from those scored 9-10As were found to be
as follows:

1. Nearly each one of the top scorers advised to have study groups (max
4-5 pax) or subject mentors. Motivate and help each other. By
sharing/teaching others, this will in turn reinforce his/her own
knowledge in those subjects. Hence, it is strongly encouraged.
2. Pay attention in class and ask teachers for assistance. Overcome
weaknesses immediately and don’t procrastinate. Teachers are there
to help in going through extra work with you. Do not sit at the back of
the class or fall asleep during class.
3. Have a study plan to stay focused. Start studying early (as early as in
F4) in order to have firm foundation in each subject. This would help
tackling difficult questions later on.
4. Pace yourself by studying ahead and consistently. Study everyday.
Reserve long period for revisions and to finish off workbooks. Last
minute cramming doesn’t work and cannot trust spots.
5. Have tuition classes during overnights to catch up or go through weak
subjects.

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 6. Finish off homework on time. Not to waste time during preps and not to
copy other people’s work.
7. Do extra exercises consistently especially prior years’ papers and
essays. Approach and go through with teachers. Read more materials
during spare time.
8. Sleep well to conserve energy. Have some fun in between study
sessions, it helps to have a clearer mind, which allows you to gain and
remember things more and longer.
9. Cannot afford to take it easy. SPM covers both mental and physical
preparation. Take each Formative Tests and Trials seriously.

Qs 4-5: tips on studying specific subjects listed below:

Top scorers gave tips on studying:

1. Add Maths: by doing lots of exercises and should develop of

questioning about what you are learning. More thinking questions seem
to be the norm. One suggested watching Youtube channel eg (Ym+c)
in understanding the subject. Another advised against learning via
Youtube channels.
2. Chemistry: understand the concepts and make notes for hard topics eg
nitrogen cycle, carbon compounds and oogenesis.
3. Sejarah Paper 1: do prior years’ papers
4. Sejarah Paper 2: read both textbooks by heart. Make notes interesting
such as mind maps, to help in memorisation.
5. Physics: do past years’ papers
6. Biology: constant reading and revision due to heavy material
7. BM and English: read current issues

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Q6: If you could go back in time, how would you study differently?

Those scored fewer than 8As mentioned:

1. They would have mastered their foundation in certain subjects in lower

form years, which were found to be essential in higher form levels.
2. Would have studied ahead of classes to get better understanding of the
subject matter.
3. Start studying for SPM as early as in F4.
4. Focus on memorisation in subjects like Economics.
5. Would try harder to understand complicated concepts for electives and
not let it last more than 2 days.
6. Not to enjoy exam breaks too early. Every paper needs full effort.
7. Never give up on difficult subjects eg Chemistry. Start early, spend
more time on it and get help if needed. Learn to love the subject.
8. Study smart by understanding the subject matter.
9. Pay more attention in class and ask questions.

Conclusion

Based on the above findings, SPM students have the potential in achieving at
least 60% straight As, if they apply study techniques as advised by Vencera’s
top students. Those study techniques listed above, have one objective in
mind: to gain better understanding of subjects. There are 2 separate
stages in achieving this goal, which starts with gaining basic understanding
and then furthering it into mastering the knowledge learned.

1. To gain basic understanding:

To effectively achieve this goal, students need to start grasping the

basics early, as early as in lower forms (ie. F1-2 and F4). Without
understanding the subject matter, a negative spiral effect may occur:
where memorisation would be difficult, which in turn leads to “hating”
the subject matter, which can lead to procrastination in learning the
subject matter. Studying/reading the lesson ahead of class would put
you into an advantage, where you can focus in class and ask
questions. Immediate follow-up with topical exercises/homework would
anchor the lessons learned. Discussions with teachers and mentors are
crucial here. Students are advised to initiate any questions quickly
and this is where peer mentors are useful. Subject mentors are
encouraged to share knowledge with others, as this process will in turn
assist them in mastering the knowledge.

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 2. To master the knowledge learned:

This can only be achieved once basic understanding has been

achieved. By doing revisions and extra exercises/prior years’ papers,
only then you are able to ascertain whether you have the necessary
basic and additional knowledge in order to achieve that A grade. This
study technique takes time as mastering a subject involves
perseverance and commitment. Hence, study plans are essential here
so to keep you on track. Further discussions with teachers/mentors or
study groups are critical at this stage, to highlight any weak areas.
These are applicable to F3 and F5 students.

Compiled and written by Pn A Radin

KYSER Mum since 2004