Teacher notes flaws in concept

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday February 24th, 2014

 A TEACHER is concerned that the school of excellence concept to be realised at the six national high schools will fail unless positive changes are made in the education ministry.

Mumu Fua criticised the “lack of leadership” at the general education services and national high schools division in Waigani.

He claimed that there was regionalism practised at the top level saying that was wrong as national high schools were supposed to promote nationalism and unity.

Fua, who has taught history for years around the country, said the six national high schools – Kerevat, Pasam, Aiyura, Port Moresby, Sogeri and Wawin – were supposed to implement the school of excellence concept.

“There is a trend which is already evident at this point in time in regard to the administrations of the national high schools,” he said.

“More than half of the principals and deputy principals hail from Southern Highlands and, interestingly the superintendent of this division hails from the same province.

“As a result, many qualified and experienced academics are leaving the national high schools because they have been marginalised one way or the other. National high schools are supposed to promote nationalism but unfortunately this is not happening and regionalism is the order of the day.”

He pointed out that the poor academic result and achievement at the Kerevat National High School in East New Britain was a good example of poor administration.

“According to the University of Papua New Guinea 2014 acceptance list, not even one student from Kerevat was selected for studies this year. 

“This may also reflect other national schools. 

“For a premier national institution to produce this kind of result is unacceptable,” Fua said.