By Alycia Lim, Sira Habibu and C.S. Nathan

SHOULD Science and Maths continue to be taught in English next year?

This whole year, we've heard from numerous parties regarding the above issue. But what about those actually going through the system? Has anyone asked what they have to say?

Not wanting to leave them out, StarEducation decided it was time we heard from the students themselves, and got their views on going through six years of primary school education with English as the medium of instruction for Science and Maths.

The students interviewed are the first batch to take those papers in that language, in the UPSR recently. And they had plenty to say about the matter.

From left : Chin Seng, Khen Hong, Shireen, Aina and Nasyiha.

Nasyiha Khairul Rizal, SJK (C) Soon Cheng Bukit Pinang, Kota Setar district

I feel trapped. I have not mastered both English and Mandarin. As I am in a Chinese-medium school, the questions are in English and Mandarin. When I do not understand certain terms, I do not have an option to double check in Malay.

I still have a lot to learn. But I am not giving up. I chose to study in a Chinese school so that I would not have problem communicating with people who do not understand English and Malay.

Kang Shireen, SJK (C) Soon Cheng Bukit Pinang

I do not have problems answering Mathematics and Science questions in English.

Law Khen Hong, SJK (C) Soon Cheng Bukit Pinang

I do not have problems understanding questions written in English. I think it is worth studying the subjects in English, as we would not face much problems when we enter university.

Onn Chin Seng, SJK (C) Soon Cheng Bukit Pinang

I do not have problems with English because I have done a lot of homework. Even if there was no Mandarin translation, I think I would have no problem answering the questions. To me, Bahasa Malaysia is the hardest subject.

Aina Athirah Shazali, SJK (C) Soon Cheng Bukit Pinang

I have difficulties understanding the lessons taught in English. I find it easier learning Maths and Science in Mandarin as the teachers are more fluent in that language. I had to go for rehabilitation classes because I usually got Cs for Mathematics and Science," said Aina.