Too many papers for Grade 10 students

I refer the report “Education drops bomb on Grade 10 examination” (The National, July 16).
I question the introduction of 12 more papers by the Education Department’s measurement service unit.
The additional 12 papers for Grade 10 and 32 for Grade 12 are just too much.
The knowledge level among our high school students is low and to study many subjects at high and secondary level is unfair.
If the Education Department wants this curriculum to be implemented, then it has to consider the learning facilities like text books, libraries, laboratories, home economic facilities, practical skills tools, computer laboratories and equipment, among others.
On that note, many of our existing high and secondary schools’ facilities are run down and many of them do not have libraries for research.
With the introduction of many papers and so poor facilities, I find the whole thing ridiculous.
The introduction of many additional papers is too much for our teachers, who are poorly paid, to cope.
Many of our teachers have quit because of the poor salary package.
Therefore, the Education Department must also consider the welfare of hardworking teachers if it really wants to implement the curriculum.
Otherwise, Grades 10, 11 and 12 are foundation years before our students proceed to higher learning institutions or universities and the existing number of papers is enough.
I call on the Education Department has to seriously consider withdrawing its curriculum for the best interest of the future generation.

Opia Mangim
Madang