254,000 students to sit for National Examinations

A total of 254,000students from grades 8, 10 and 12 will sit for the National Examinationsstarting next week.

Grade 10 studentswill sit their exams from October 6-10, followed by Grade 12 from October13-17, and Grade 8 from October 20-23.

The total number ofstudents by grades nominated to sit for the exams include:

·        Grade 10-87,500 students from the 520high and secondary schools

·        Grade 12- 36,500 students from 250Secondary Schools, including the six National School of Excellence (NSoE).

·        Grade 8- 130,000 students from 3,400Primary schools.

Secretary forEducation, Dr Uke Kombra said the exact number of students who have beennominated to sit for the National exams are from the final confirmation byschools on the online student data collection system.

He confirmed thatall examination booklets for Grade 10 have already been delivered to schoolsacross the Provinces, and the rest will follow soon.

Dr Kombra said theGrade 10 marking for National Capital District starts immediately after theirfirst exam and by the last exam in the week, answer sheets will be confirmedthen sent to all provinces for consistent and uniform marking.

“Grade12 marking will take place in Port Moresby from October 19-30, while Grade 8papers will be marked in the provinces after the exams,” Dr Kombra explained.

The Department is also working closely with theEnga Provincial Government and security personnel on the ground to ensureexaminations proceed without disruption despite the ongoing violence in theprovince.

Dr. Kombra warned all schools against any malpractices relating to thenational examinations.

“Students and schools are being warned of serious consequences, whichinclude non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers,and banning of schools for a minimum period of three years.

We have eliminated cheating in examinations.

Results are now based on hard work and offer better educationbenchmarks.

On that note, Iwish to extend my best wishes to all students as you prepare for your nationalexaminations,” Dr. Kombra said.

Authorized forrelease by

DR. UKE W. KOMBRA,PhD, OBE.

Secretary forEducation