British Council, MOE empower B40 students through English

B40 students in Chow Kit gain English confidence through a 10-week British Council-MOE pilot using project-based learning.

For siblings Nur Azira bt Abdul Aziz and Muhammad Haiqal bin Abdul Aziz, learning English no longer feels like a daunting task. The teenagers, both from a school in Chow Kit, have just completed a 10-week pilot initiative that changed the way they see — and speak — the language.

The programme, Secondary Plus: Project-Based Learning for B40 Students, was a joint effort between the Ministry of Education’s English Language Teaching Centre and the British Council. It aimed to equip students from lower-income families with stronger communication and critical thinking skills through a modern, hands-on approach to English learning.

Learning through projects and confidence building

Unlike traditional classroom lessons, the programme adopted a project-based method that encouraged students to speak, collaborate, and apply English to real-life situations. It consisted of two five-week modules titled Let’s Enjoy Life and School Can Be Cool!, both inspired by International Baccalaureate (IB) learning themes.

“I have grown from a level of six to nine,” said Azira enthusiastically, crediting the dynamic lessons for her progress. “I look forward to signing up for similar courses in the future.”

Her brother Haiqal shared her excitement, adding that he now feels comfortable addressing large groups — a skill he once found intimidating. “I can talk confidently in front of big crowds now,” he said with a smile.

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Each weekly two-hour session focused not only on improving reading and speaking but also on developing collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving — vital traits for lifelong learning.

Transformative impact recognised by educators

British Council Malaysia Director, Jazreel Goh, said the programme’s success reflects the power of connecting students with a more human, engaging style of teaching.

“Andrew Quick, their teacher, connected with the students exceptionally well during the weekly two-hour sessions,” she said. “It’s heartening to see how much more confidently they speak and carry themselves now compared to when they first began.”

Goh added that the British Council’s Secondary courses not only build English proficiency but also nurture essential life competencies.

“Initiatives like this, part of the British Council’s Secondary courses suite, not only strengthen English language skills but also nurture essential life competencies such as collaboration and critical thinking. These are vital in today’s economy, alongside more intangible traits like resilience, adaptability, and self-assurance,” she noted.

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Empowering B40 youth through education

For the Ministry of Education, this initiative reflects a long-term vision of inclusivity and equity. Acting Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia (Professional Development Sector), Rohayati bt Abd Hamid, said the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to uplift students from all backgrounds.

“The Ministry of Education believes that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background,” she said. “By investing in our B40 students, we are investing in the future of Malaysia — empowering young Malaysians to rise above their circumstances and contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.”

Rohayati praised the British Council’s student-centred approach, saying it demonstrated how effective engagement and tailored instruction can inspire genuine learning. She added that the collaboration exemplifies the kind of strategic partnership that drives sustainable and meaningful education reforms.

Through Secondary Plus, students like Azira and Haiqal have discovered not only the joy of learning English but also the confidence to express themselves — a testament to how inclusive, modern teaching can open doors for Malaysia’s next generation of leaders.

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