Wardstrip school graduates 293 Grade 8s

National, Normal
Source:

The National,Friday 09th December 2011

By SALLY POKITON
UPNG journalism student

WARDSTRIP Demonstration Primary School, one of Port Moresby’s most populous schools, witnessed 293 Grade 8 pupils graduate yesterday.
On average, the school has 58 students per class, with one grade eight class having 63 students.
That means most classes sit three pupils to a desk, making learning a crowded process.
Papua New Guinea Education Institute director and parent Dr Zui Neofa said there had been many challenges for the teachers with the influx of students.
He said because of the high number of students, teachers faced the challenge of coming up with strategies to teach effectively.
Neofa said most times parents and students did not acknowledge the efforts of their teachers who made sure the students went through the year and sat their examinations.
Principal Sam Puwa said the future was in their hands. He referred to the story of Daniel in the Bible to challenge the students to honour their parents like Daniel honoured God by refusing to eat food offered to the idols from the king’s table.
He said education was the cornerstone to success in life.
He urged the students to honour their parents.
He challenged the students who will move onto Grade 9 next year to be smart and sensible by making the most of their textbooks.
Puwa said the students graduated with certificates of attainment as their results were not ready because marking was still taking place.
Moreover, the new education secretary had to sign the certificates.
Puwa said the students (or their guardians) should collect the certificates along with the selection results at the school office from Jan 23-27.