Call to scrap Grades 8, 10 exams

 KUNDIAWA-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang has called on the Government to do away with Grade 8 and Grade 10 examinations and allow all students to go through to Grade 12.

Kulang commended Prime Minister O’Neill for introducing tuition fee-free education from Elementary to Grade 12. “The free education is a big leap forward. But I’m concerned that our children are forced to sit for tests at Grade 8 and Grade 10 to determine who progresses,” he said.

“No child should be made to drop out at Grade 8 or Grade 10. We must eliminate this system if we are to achieve universal education. Every child should be allowed to progress to Grade 12.”

He said a child with a minimum Grade 12 education had a better chance to progress further to tertiary institutions, or directly to join the workforce.  

Kulang said the policy was transforming PNG, lifting enrolment figures in three years from 57 per cent to more than 80 per cent nationally.

But he said Simbu was lagging behind, with enrolment at only 54 per cent of school-aged children.

He blamed the cut-off level at Grade 8 and Gade 10 for the slow progress in the province. “For a nation to be strong, it must educate its children. Education is an enabler. It gives hope, 

“Decisions determine destiny, and I want to commend the Government for this bold policy.”