In a recent statement by the Morobe Provincial Program Advisor for Education, it was highlighted that the academic performance of schools in the region witnessed a significant improvement in 2023.
This positive trend was attributed to the successful transition from the previous outcome-based curriculum to the newly introduced standard-based curriculum.
The year 2023 marked the inaugural implementation of the standard-based curriculum, replacing the outcome-based system.
Although the shift required some time for the development of corresponding examinations, the results were commendable, especially for Grade 8 students in Morobe province.
A considerable number of students surpassed the 80 percent pass mark.
However, with a substantial influx of students qualifying for Junior High Schools and Secondary Schools, Morobe province is facing a challenge of accommodating this larger student population.
Consequently, a substantial number of students have been allocated to prominent institutions such as Lae Secondary School, Busu Secondary School, Bumayong, and Bugandi, among others.
This surge in students transitioning to the secondary sector underscores the importance of collaborative efforts from parents, school principals, and head teachers, elected leaders, council presidents, local Members of Parliament, and the Governor of Morobe province.
In light of this, it has been emphasized that many primary schools in the province need to elevate their status to Junior High Schools to accommodate the growing student population.
However, challenges have emerged for the year 2024, as there is a shortage of teachers and essential curriculum materials, including the grade 10 syllabus, teachers’ guide, and grade 9 syllabus.
Despite the urgency to implement these changes this year, the lack of crucial resources poses a significant obstacle.
The Provincial Program Advisor urged the Department to expedite the provision of necessary curriculum materials to facilitate a smooth transition.
Acknowledging the unavoidable circumstances, the Provincial Program Advisor asserted that all principals in the province must admit continuing Grade 9 students who have met the national cutoff mark.
Approximately 70 percent of Grade 8 students from the previous year performed exceptionally well and were selected to proceed to Grade 9 this year.
The Provincial Program Advisor expressed confidence that the government’s commitment to the standard-based curriculum, spanning from elementary to primary and secondary levels, is steering education in the right direction.
However, the challenges faced in the implementation of the curriculum in 2024 underscore the need for prompt and effective solutions to ensure a seamless education transition for the students in Morobe province.