School and English
English in Malaysian primary schools and the CEFR: what it means for your child
Malaysia uses the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as a reference point for English in its schools, so the English your child learns at primary school is described in terms of CEFR levels. For parents, this means progress can be described in plain “can do” terms. For young children, the levels you'll hear about first are Pre-A1, A1 and A2.
- By CurioKids team
- Published
- Updated
- 7 min read
Key takeaways
- English in Malaysian schools is aligned with the CEFR, an international scale that describes what learners can do in a language.
- The early CEFR levels are Pre-A1, A1 and A2: from first words and phrases to simple, everyday conversations.
- The CEFR describes ability, not age, so children in the same class can be at different points.
- Your child's school is the best source for what is expected in each year.
- Everyday English at home, through stories, talk and play, supports what your child learns at school.
On this page
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is an international framework, developed by the Council of Europe, that describes language ability on one common scale. It has six main levels, from A1 for beginners up to C2, with a Pre-A1 stage for young learners who are just starting. Each level is described with “can do” statements, such as “can introduce themselves” or “can understand the main point of a short story”.
For a fuller explanation of each early level, read CEFR levels for children explained.
How is the CEFR used in Malaysian primary schools?
Malaysia has adopted the CEFR as a reference framework for English. English in primary schools follows the national primary school curriculum (KSSR), and the English curriculum is aligned with CEFR levels, so what children learn is described in the same terms used internationally.
In practice, this means the English curriculum and teaching materials are organised around what children should be able to do with English: understand, speak, read and write for real purposes. Details can change over time and may differ between types of school, so treat your child's school and the Ministry of Education's official information as the final word on what applies to your child.
What do Pre-A1, A1 and A2 mean for my child?
| Level | A child at this level can typically… |
|---|---|
| Pre-A1 | Understand and use familiar words and very simple phrases, with pictures and support |
| A1 | Talk about themselves and everyday things in short sentences, and read short, simple texts |
| A2 | Manage simple everyday conversations, describe past events and read short stories for the main idea |
These are broad descriptions. Real children rarely fit one level neatly: many understand more than they can say, or read better than they speak. A child can be comfortable at A1 in listening while still building towards it in writing.
Why might my child's English level differ from their classmates'?
Because the CEFR measures ability, not age or school year. Children in the same class hear different amounts of English at home, read different amounts and learn at their own pace. A child from a home where Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil or another language is spoken most will often follow a different path in English from a child who hears English every day, and both paths are perfectly normal.
There's no need to stop using your home language with your child. English can grow alongside it, through stories, songs, games and everyday conversation.
How can I support my child's English at home?
You don't need to speak perfect English to help. What matters is regular, relaxed contact with the language. Try these ideas:
- Read together every day, in English and in your home language. Talk about the pictures and ask what might happen next.
- Play with sounds. Rhymes, I spy and word games help children learn to read. See our phonics games at home.
- Watch and talk. Choose short English programmes or songs for children and chat about them afterwards.
- Use English for real things: shopping lists, recipes, birthday cards or labels around the house.
- Praise effort. Children speak more when mistakes are treated as part of learning.
How do I know what level my child is at?
Start by asking your child's teacher how they describe your child's English and what the class is working towards this year. You can also look at what your child can do comfortably, using the “can do” descriptions for Pre-A1, A1 and A2.
If you'd like another view, a teacher who hears your child speak and read 1-to-1 can suggest where they are confident and where they need support. Look for patterns over several weeks rather than judging from one good or bad day.
What if my child finds English hard at school?
Talk to their teacher first. Ask which skills your child finds hardest, whether that's listening, speaking, reading or writing, and what you can do at home. Small, regular steps are easier to keep up than long catch-up sessions: ten minutes of reading together, a word game on the way to school or a short chat in English at dinner.
If reading is the difficulty, check whether your child is confident with letter sounds and blending. Our guide to what phonics is explains how reading starts; going back to the sounds is often a good place to begin.
What can I ask my child's English teacher?
A short conversation with the teacher tells you more than any label. These questions help you understand where your child is and how to help:
- Which English skills is my child most confident in, and which need more practice?
- What is the class working towards this year?
- Are there books or activities at my child's level that you'd recommend for home?
- How will I hear about my child's progress during the year?
- Is there one thing we could practise at home that would help most right now?
Where do Cambridge Starters, Movers and Flyers fit in?
CEFR Pre-A1, A1 and A2 correspond to the Cambridge English Young Learners levels Starters, Movers and Flyers. CurioKids is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press and Assessment. These exams are optional, and your child doesn't need them to follow the school curriculum, but some families use them as a goal. Read what parents should know about Starters, Movers and Flyers.
How does CurioKids fit with school English?
CurioKids teaches live, 1-to-1 online English classes for children aged 4–12, 25 minutes each, with a real teacher. Children start with Phonics Starter, then move on to CEFR-based levels Pre-A1, A1 and A2, so progress is described in CEFR terms too. CurioKids follows its own curriculum and is separate from school. See our levels, read the FAQ, or visit our Malaysia page to book a free first class.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CEFR the same as the school curriculum?
No. The CEFR is an international framework that describes language levels. Malaysia uses it as a reference for English, while the school curriculum sets out what is taught. The CEFR gives both a common way to describe progress.
What CEFR level should my child reach by the end of primary school?
Expectations are set by the Ministry of Education and can change, so ask your child's school for the current targets. Every child progresses at their own pace, and the CEFR descriptions can help you see what your child can already do.
Does my child need extra English classes?
Not necessarily; it depends on your child. Extra classes can help a child who would like more speaking practice, more confidence or more support with reading. Regular English at home helps every child, with or without classes.
Can I help my child if my own English isn't strong?
Yes. Reading picture books together, singing songs, playing word games and showing interest in what your child learns all help, whatever your level. Keep reading and talking in your home language too.