SMK Agama

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) or National Islamic Secondary School (Arabic: المدرسة الثانوية الوطنية الدينية‎‎) is a type of institutional group of education established and managed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE). There are 57 SMKAs all over Malaysia.^[1]

History

An idea to establish SMKA was inspired by the then Islamic Education Director of MOE, Nik Mohammed Mohyideen Wan Musa. It was coincide with the aspiration of MOE and the Muslim community who realised its benefit. Several efforts were made before, including assistance to independent Islamic schools and recommendation to them to apply new system.

The establishment of SMKA was in line with the effort to modernise Malaysian education system on that time. Improvements of Islamic education system in Islamic schools were in accordance with current developments as well. Thus, an idea inspired by Nik Mohammed Mohyideen was turned to reality by Dr. Abdul Hamid Othman and Zainal Abidin Abdul Kadir, both were top officials responsible for Islamic affairs in Malaysia.

In 1970s, independent Islamic schools were not received well from the public due to unorganised administrative system and the lack of facilities, while the people's awareness towards education increased at the same time. Therefore, MOE consulted with state governments in Peninsular Malaysia to adjust administrative and curricular system in Islamic schools with those in daily schools.

Most of Islamic schools, before this, emphasise Islamic studies and Arabic language too much without giving attention to other subjects available in daily schools like science, mathematics, geography and history. This was due to the inability of Islamic schools to provide laboratories. Consequently, graduates of Islamic schools were less competitive in human resources market and current challenges faced by the people.

In 1977, MOE established SMKA, took over 11 state and independent Islamic schools and gave them the status of SMKA.^[2]

Statement of direction

Vision and mission

In order to realise the vision of SMKA to be a renowned educational institution, the people of SMKA are committed towards:^[2]

1. Translating the National Philosophy of Education in shaping the reality of knowledge and the appreciation towards al-Quran and as-Sunnah;
2. Generating excellent individuals with strong Islamic belief;
3. Applying quality, transparent, efficient and effective working culture according to Islamic values;
4. Implementing comprehensive and effective smart approach in curriculum, student affairs and co-curriculum management;
5. Building adequate facilities, and creating conducive and Islamic environment; and
6. Establishing cooperation with stakeholders, local community and external agencies.

Objectives

The objectives which SMKA is established are to:^[2]

1. Achieve excellence in curriculum and co-curriculum;
2. Produce students who practice moral behaviour;
3. Shape students' generation as leaders with example;
4. Produce students who are able to endure non-Islamic cultures; and
5. Prepare students towards giving effective contribution meeting national and people's need.

Goals

The goals which SMKA wishes to achieve are to:^[2]

1. Educate students with Islamic personality;
2. Provide knowledge which meets the need of the world and the Hereafter;
3. Develop students' potential in term of interests, creativity, discipline and leadership; and
4. Give students chances to further their studies locally and internationally in various fields.

Features

SMKA is different comparing to other secondary schools. SMKA is a place for those who want to learn and practice Islamic culture, not only through the teaching and learning of Arabic language, Jawi and Quranic skills, but also activities applying Islamic values. SMKA students, upon their graduation, have a wide chance to further their studies locally and internationally in various fields. Consequently, SMKA will be able not only to produce wise and accountable Islamic preacher, but also to produce experts who understand Islam.

Admission

Admission of students to SMKA is controlled jointly by MOE and State Education Department. Minimum qualifications must be made by a candidate in order to secure a place in SMKA.

Form 1

A candidate must:

• Be a Malaysian Muslim;
• Get at least 2 As and 3 Bs in Primary School Evaluation Test (UPSR) and pass its Fardhu Ain test;
• Be able to read Al-Quran and write Jawi;
• Know how to perform prayers;
• Be 13 or below in age; and
• Pass the Entrance Test when conducted.

Form 4

A candidate must:

• Be a Malaysian Muslim;
• Pass in Form 3 Assessment (PT3) and pass its Fardhu Ain test;
• Get at least B in Islamic education and Arabic language subjects, and C in other subjects in PT3; and
• Be 16 or below in age.

Lower Form 6

A candidate must:

• Be a Malaysian Muslim;
• Pass in Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination;
• Get at least B in Malay and Arabic languages, and E in Studies of al-Quran and as-Sunnah and Sharia in SPM examination; and
• Between 17 and 20 in age.

List of SMKA

As in 2016, SMKAs are as follows:

References