Schools set benchmark

 Schools in Sinasina-Yongmugl district, Chimbu, are setting benchmarks to provide competition among students, says standards officer Jack Armba.
“This is the first of many reforms within our structure that we are undertaking to ensure our students are able to compete equally with others throughout PNG,” Armba said.
“We are optimistic that students who do well in English and Maths can do better in other subjects.”
Last week, Grade  Three and Six students from 18 schools sat for examinations
Armba said this was a result of extensive activity planning which the district developed in 2012.
“The result of this exercise is the implementation phase, which began last week in compliance with the National Education secretary,” Armba said.
“This is a regional policy that was discussed at the Pacific Education Minister’s Forum some years ago.
“Eight hundred and seventy-three students sat for the English and Maths exam,” Armba said.
He said the decision by the district education to undertake this exercise stemmed from results of 2011 Grade Eight students, which were low.
“So what we are doing now is trying to uncover why the performances of our students are below par and through this exercise identify means to holistically improve the quality of learning for our children,” Armba said.