No need to separate first-graders by age in 2027, says expert

An education expert has advised against separating first-grade students based on age, suggesting that a one-year difference is not a significant factor in a child's learning capacity. Professor Datuk Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed believes that the practice of segregating six and seven-year-old students who will be registering for the 2027 school year is unnecessary.

Professor Mohamed explained that educational practices in various countries demonstrate that student success is more closely tied to teaching approaches, the curriculum, and the support provided by the school. These elements, he argued, play a more crucial role than minor age variations among students.

The expert's comments come as discussions around early childhood education and school readiness continue. The focus, according to Mohamed, should be on creating an effective learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of young learners, rather than on age-based distinctions that may not reflect individual developmental stages or academic potential.