Semester Credit System (SKS) Class
Al-Azhar Syifa Budi Cibubur Junior High School

The implementation of the Semester Credit System (SKS) at Al Azhar Syifa Budi Cibubur Cileungsi Junior High School is an innovative and creative effort to improve the quality of education through varied services to accommodate the diversity of students in terms of talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed. The SKS is an alternative learning system to the package system, which can be implemented by A-accredited junior high schools.

Based on Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 158 of 2014 concerning the Implementation of the Semester Credit System (SKS) in Elementary and Secondary Education, educational units that meet the requirements can provide education using the SKS model.

The SKS implementation model, which allows students the freedom to choose their learning load and/or subjects, is considered to serve a wider diversity than the Package System. Students can choose their learning load and/or subjects according to their talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed.

Thus, the implementation of the credit system (SKS) is a conscious effort that begins with the selection of study load and/or subjects according to the talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed of students. Freedom to choose study load and/or subjects can foster high awareness and motivation, thus enabling optimal learning achievement.

Learning services are delivered using a “Grouping Class” system based on intellectual ability, while still paying attention to the development of social aspects so that teaching and learning activities are effective and efficient. Therefore, classes or study groups at Al-Azhar Syifa Budi Jakarta Middle School are divided into six-semester classes, where students study for three years, and four-semester classes, where students study for two years.

The learning process is implemented using multiple methods and media, encouraging students to learn through dialogue, developing creative and open thinking, respecting the opinions of others, and being able to use their imagination. All of this is aimed at developing students’ life skills.

The Semester Credit System is a form of education in which students determine the amount of study load and/or subjects they take each semester at their educational unit according to their talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed.

The implementation of the Semester Credit System (SKS) in learning management at the elementary and secondary levels in Indonesia represents an innovative effort to enrich learning management. Through the implementation of the SKS, students can complete educational programs more quickly in accordance with their talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed.

The study load in SMP (junior high school) is expressed in lesson hours (JP), with the total load at the junior high school level being a minimum of 228 JP. The study load for one JP generally consists of 40 minutes of face-to-face activities and a maximum of 50% (approximately 20 minutes) for structured assignments and unstructured independent assignments. Calculating the study load using JP units simplifies student transfers to educational units that use a different system, without requiring a conversion.

According to the Minister of Education and Culture Regulation Number 158 of 2014 concerning the Implementation of the Semester Credit System in Elementary and Secondary Education, Article 9, specifically for one hour of face-to-face learning activities in the learning load for students who have above average learning speeds, the duration of one hour of learning can be carried out for 30 minutes.

The implementation of SKS in Elementary Education at the Junior High School level aims to: 

1. Providing proportional educational services, namely by taking into account the talents, interests, abilities, and learning speed of students;
2. Providing higher-quality educational services and guaranteeing the rights of students/the community to receive educational services that align with their talents, interests, abilities, and learning speed.

The implementation of SKS at Al-Azhar Syifa Budi Cibubur Cileungsi Middle School refers to the following principles.

1. Flexible, meaning the implementation of the credit system (SKS) must provide a choice of subjects and a learning completion time that allows students to determine and organize their own learning strategies.
2. Excellence, meaning the implementation of the credit system (SKS) allows students to have the opportunity to learn and achieve optimal levels of ability according to their talents ,interests, and abilities/learning speed.
3. Continuous progress, meaning the implementation of the credit system allows students to directly progress to further content, subjects, or programs without being hindered by other students.
4. Equity, meaning the implementation of the credit system allows students to have the opportunity to receive treatment in accordance with their learning capacity and academic achievement.

In general, the curriculum structure and study load for credit units (SKS) refer to the Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 58 of 2014 concerning the 2013 Curriculum for Junior High Schools/Islamic Junior High Schools (Madrasah Tsanawiyah), which consists of subjects in groups A and B. The study load for junior high schools (SMP) is a minimum of 228 hours. Therefore, junior high schools (SMP) implementing credit units (SKS) can vary their curriculum structure and study load each semester. The learning pattern that can be implemented is the continuous learning pattern. This continuous learning pattern applies to each subject each semester. In this case, the choice of study load applies when students choose additional study hours (study load) in some or all subjects according to their abilities and preferences. Additional study hours imply additional learning units (content) and required activities.

In continuous learning group services, educational units can design learning variations according to their learning pace. The curriculum structure can be varied, consisting of:

1. The 6-semester program has a study load of 40 minutes per semester.
2. The 4-semester program is for students with above-average learning speeds. The study load for each semester can be 30 minutes.
3. The 5-semester program is for students with above-average learning speeds. The study load for each semester can be 30 minutes.
4. The 7-semester program is for students with below-average learning speeds. The study load for each semester can be 40 minutes, with additional time adjusted to their talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed.
5. The 8-semester program is for students with below-average learning speeds. The study load for each semester can be 40 minutes, with additional time adjusted to their talents, interests, and abilities/learning speed.

Based on the provisions above, Al-Azhar Syifa Budi Cibubur Cileungsi Middle School can currently implement a 6-semester and 4-semester learning pattern and it is possible that a 5, 7 or 8-semester pattern will be implemented.

1. Minimum IQ of 130 based on a psychological test conducted by a certified institution.
2. Task commitment from students and parents.
3. Minimum minimum grade point average (KKM): 90.
4. Minimum GPA: 90.

Note: Achievement of IP 90 will be monitored in semester 1. If it can be achieved, the study program will continue for 2 years. If it cannot be achieved, the study program will continue for 3 years.

1. Dyah Ayu Ardhana, the Youngest Medical Student at the University of Indonesia (UI)