Thirty-four receive certificates for SPM BK Teachers’ Course

Dec 18, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): Thirty-four Catholics from several parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur received certificates for completing the SPM Bible Knowledge Teachers’ Course this year.

They received their certificates from Archbishop Julian Leow during a recollection for Bible Knowledge Teachers held on Sat, Dec 6 at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima.

The recollection began with Holy Hour. After the teabreak, the teachers shared some of the challenges they faced in teaching the subject. Many spoke on the importance of support from parish priests and parents in ensuring that more students take the subject.

It was also suggested that parents should consider taking the opportunity to share this special time with their children by attending the SPM BK classes with them.

“We were all students at one time. Our children are under tremendous pressure to do well. Nowadays, it is all about memorizing and memorizing. I can understand why many hesitate to take this subject,” said Archbishop Leow.

“We need to ask ourselves, ‘Do we study just to score an ‘A’ or do we study to know our faith? Will the subjects that we take have an impact in our lives?

“I am encouraged to see so many of you here. Share your personal experiences that our children can identify with. We need to make the Word of God the centre of our lives, to ensure that what we say and do flows from there.

“Then people will be intrigued by us and ask, ‘Why is he/she so special?” “So I want to encourage you. Even if you have one or two students, don’t give up. I will remind my priests to encourage parents and students to take up the subject. Knowing these two books is a start,” shared Archbishop Leow.

In his speech, G. Anthony, the SPM Bible Knowledge Coordinator of the Archdiocese, said that they had tried different methods to get more participants for the Teachers’ Course. For this year, the courses were held in two ways: weekly classes in two parishes, St Francis Xavier and St Francis of Assisi, and two weekend sessions at the Archdiocese Pastoral Centre.

There were 60 participants in total. To qualify for the certificate, each participant had to have 90 per cent attendance, complete five tests each from the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, do a presentation on the missionary journeys and prepare two model question papers on the two books.

“Our job is not only to teach but also to recruit more students,” Anthony shared. “Our numbers have dwindled to only 85 candidates sitting for the paper in this year’s SPM examination.”

The next Teachers’ course will be held Jan 9-11 for the Gospel of Luke and March 13-15 for the Acts of the Apostles. Those interested to register, may email [email protected] for further information. The books can be purchased at St John’s Cathedral. Participants must read the books before attending the course.