KUCHING: A total of 240,676 children will begin their new school terms on Tuesday at 1,265 primary schools statewide.
Sarawak Education Department director Rakayah Madon said today that 39,231 of the children would be entering Year 1.
She said a new primary school called SK Triang Serian would be opened in Serian division.
The school, costing RM16.3 million to build, was handed over to the state Education Department in September last year.
A total of 50 pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 had registered with the school.
“Although the number (of pupils) is still small, we expect it to increase in the years to come. It has six classrooms and a hostel block that can accommodate 100 children.
“There is also six units of housing (quarters) for teachers,” she said.
A total of 200,100 students will continue their studies at 190 secondary schools throughout the state, from the transition class (Peralihan) to Form 6 (upper 6). Form 6 (lower 6) classes will start in May.
There are 1,497 preschools, including eight new ones.
“Preschools are set up in various premises in the state, including secondary and primary schools as well as in longhouses,” she said.
Next year, a total of 2,267 children with special needs will begin their new school terms at 118 primary schools that offer special education, while another 1,714 secondary students will be studying at 50 schools statewide.
Sarawak, Rakayah said, would have a total of 214 school days or 43 weeks this year.
She said the department had set up a task force and all the education district offices had spent four weeks preparing for the new school term.
“We make sure that all the schools comply with the standard, where each student is provided with a desk, chair and set of textbooks.”