Reform eyed for national high schools

SECRETARY for the department of Education Dr Uke Kombra says plans are under way in terms of reforming national high schools in the country.
Papua New Guinea currently has six national high schools –Kerevat National High in East New Britain, Sogeri National High in Central, Aiyura National High in Eastern Highlands, Passam National High in East Sepik, Wawin National High in Morobe and Port Moresby National High in the National Capital District.
He said the Minister for Education will take into Cabinet the policy change that will affect national high schools in the country.
“At this time I cannot give the exact policy changes, however, it is still going to be reformed, we are thinking of undertaking a specific reform of the six schools.
“The Minister’s direction has been given already, for us to look at how we can reform the national high schools.
“Hopefully, before the end of this year, the minister would be able to take to Cabinet and announce policy changes, in the way we manage and deliver national high schools effectively,” he said.
National high schools cater for grade 11 and grade 12 students, with selections of students from across the country.
The teachers are level 4, which is one level higher than secondary school teachers.
“In terms of teacher training, most of them have similar training and qualifications similar to secondary schools,” he said.