Empowering Students at SMK Menjalara: A Focus on Effort, Strategy and Success

On 15 August 2025, the Own Your Effort – Winning SPM & Life programme was held at SMK Menjalara, targeting Form 3 and Form 4 students. The initiative aimed to motivate learners to take ownership of their academic preparation while building resilience and life skills. Led by the dynamic 3S team from BAC Education - Shahirah (Sha), Sumita (Mita) and Syazwani (Wani), the session carried the empowering message: “All Eyes on Effort. Slay your Strategy.”

The workshop brought together 100 students, divided into eight groups, to participate in a series of interactive activities designed to foster teamwork, self-reflection and strategic planning. Each round of the programme was carefully curated to encourage active participation and personal growth.

The day began with Round 1: Icebreaker – One Truth & One Dream, where students shared personal goals and aspirations. This set the tone for self-discovery and highlighted that every learner has unique ambitions, with SPM serving as a stepping stone towards their dreams.

Round 2: Story Time – I See You brought relatable insights as facilitators shared their own experiences as teenagers. They discussed challenges such as academic pressure, social distractions and personal struggles, emphasising that while students may not control every circumstance, they can always control their effort and approach.

In Round 3: Barriers and Bridges, participants brainstormed common obstacles to academic success, including lack of study spaces and mobile phone distractions. They then worked together to create “bridges,” proposing solutions like peer-to-peer learning and time management techniques.

The focus shifted to high-performance habits during Round 4: The 3 Core Strategies. Students learned to prioritise effort over grades, adopt effective study techniques such as mind mapping and the teach-back method and maintain healthy routines for optimal performance. National sports icons Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were used as examples of resilience and discipline, reinforcing the message that success is a result of consistent effort.

The programme concluded with Round 5: Your SPM Game Plan, where students developed personalised strategies to improve their exam preparation. They were encouraged to see every bit of effort as an investment in their future.

The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, equipping students with practical tools, motivating them to stay committed to their goals and helping them confront the challenges of adolescence. Through engaging activities and storytelling, the facilitators created a safe and inspiring space where students could reflect, collaborate and take charge of their journey.