Teacher sees no problems with new standards

A Bulolo primary school head teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of School Management from University of Goroka recently is ready to implement the standard-based curriculum structure.
Hompiri Primary School head teacher Samson Amua, 52, from Morobe and Gulf, is ready to implement the SBC, armed with his in-service qualification.
Amua said SBC was not new, having started with independence in 1975.
“It will be okay for us to implement,” he said.
“We will not face any major problems with the system.
“We are set and just waiting for the Education Department to send the curriculum materials for implementation.”
With the new education system and the one-six-six structure, Amua wants teachers from his school to upgrade their qualifications to degree level.
The one-six-six structure will have a year for children in early childhood learning, six years of basic education in primary school, and six years in high school.
Amua said high schools would now be facing problems with infrastructure to cater for grades seven to 12.
“We will give away grades seven and eight to high schools,” he said.
“It will be okay for us to take in the current elementary one and two students into primary schools.
“The high schools will face problems with increased number of students, with the number of teaching and learning resources, and the school’s physical infrastructure.”
Amua said that it would be better for the Education Department to have a timeline to implement the one-six-six policy.
He undertook studies for the qualification in 2014 as a fulltime student, but withdrew after two weeks due to the death of his daughter. Amua continued his studies in 2015 on flexible learning mode for three years – while working.
The Bachelor of Primary School Management degree adds to his CV of being a former Correctional Services officer, PNG soldier, and banker.
Amua also has a diploma in primary school teaching from Sonoma Adventist College, a diploma in primary education with a HIV/AIDS certificate from Balob Teachers’ College, and a certificate in sexual reproductive health education from Morobe.