Abolishing Gr.8, 10 Examinations worries Opposition

PORT MORESBY:Opposition Leader Don Polye has lashed out at the move by the government to phase out grades eight and ten examinations, starting next year.
Mr Polye said the proposal for the abolishment did not complement well the Opposition which views it as untimely and raw.
“In the wake of limited spaces in the tertiary institutions available to absorb the increase in the enrolment of grade 12 students in the country, such should be considered as a work of someone heartless,” he said.
He said the government had not raised the bars of the existing tertiary institutions with new ones.
Polye said he was adamant that it would not work well, adding a responsible government should map it out well for its effective implementation.
He has urged the government to drop the idea to avoid the shame of its unfruitfulness in the years ahead.
“When we are in government, for such an idea to be implemented well, we will build new universities, colleagues and vocational centres to absorb the increase in enrolment.
“We will also ensure our students get quality education through an assessment fitting for our students without the grades eight and ten examinations,” said Mr Polye.
He said the alternative government policy ‘Skill-industry growth strategy’ when implemented would form the basis for a sustainable employment for all to improve their living standard.
He said the quality of education should not be compromised.