125 Grade 8 students from Goilanai Primary School in Milne Bay Province join the rest of the country in sitting for their first English paper today and the rest of their National Exams this week.
School Head Teacher, Mr Eugene Awilo said that students and staff will be practicing social distancing and mandatory mask wearing during the exam week.
“We have suspended classes for Prep to Grade 7 for this whole week while our grade 8 students sit for their exams,” Mr Awilo said.
He believes that the students will do well as they have been prepared well by their teachers throughout the academic year.
“We convey our best wishes to all our Grade 8s as they sit for the Exams.”
Mr Awilo added that the rest of the students (prep to Grade 7) will resume classes next week, however they will be having shift classes so they can continue to practice safe hygiene measures in the school.
“For this week, their teachers have prepared work for them to take home and do at home until they resume next week,” Mr Awilo said.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Education Dr Uke Kombra said that a total of 137, 769 are expected to sit for their national exams.
This number includes those students with special needs.
Dr Kombra said that he is confident that students have prepared well, as there were minimal disruptions to teaching and learning this year compared to last year.
“I wish every Grade 8 all the best in the National Exams and also in their future endeavors,” Dr Kombra Said.