Call made to back schools reform

THE new one-six-six (1-6-6) education structure is a policy of the national government and provincial governments have a duty to implement it, Education Minister Nick Kuman says.
Kuman said this in Port Moresby yesterday during the launch of an online student data collection system.
“The funds that is released through the PSIP (provincial service improvement programme), DSIP (district service improvement programme) and even the ward SIPs have education components therein,” he said.
“It is up to the districts and the provincial governments to start implementing this government policy.” Kuman said the plan was to completely implement the 1-6-6 structure by 2022.
The structure is where you have one year for prep or preparatory education, six years for primary education (grades one to six) and six years for secondary schools (grades seven to 12).
Kuman also made it clear that the only certificate that would be recognised in the country would be year 12 certificate and they would do away with grades eight and 10.
“Examination for grade eight and 10 will continue but there will be no dropouts at eight and 10.
“Everyone must go all the way to grade 12 and receive their year 12 certificate based on their performance and pass out to tertiary institution. “That is the plan of the government and we don’t want to our children to come out of grade eight and 10 because in reality, whether you want to apply for a technical college, university or even work, the minimum requirement is grade 12 certificate.
“Thus, we need to adapt to the change in the society and the system that is around us.”
Meanwhile, Morobe will start implementing the 1-6-6 structure and will be piloted by four new high schools from next year.
Acting provincial education programme adviser Keith Jiram said the structure would be trialled at Bunsil in Tewae-Siassi, Komba and Saonu Lutheran in Kabwum, and Boana Lutheran High School in Nawaeb.
The high schools have taken in the first grade nine this year.
“Children of six years old should start their education in early childhood learning, which was the former elementary school.”