With the Grade 8s concluding their National Examinations on October 24th, 2024, markings were underway for the completed papers of Grades 8s, 10s and 12s beginning at approximately late October. Grade 12 markings were conducted from October 22nd – 30th in Port Moresby. Grade 10 markings were completed within the week of October 21st – 27th in respective provinces. Speaking on behalf of his school in East New Britain, Malabunga Secondary, Principal Bruno Kulai stated that the results for Grade 10s should be out by week 10 of term 4 which should enable selections for Grade 11. In the meantime, selections for Grade 12s, Mr. Kulai confirmed was to be done online. When asked about students who may have difficulty accessing the internet, Mr. Kulai stated that students and parents were made aware of the selection procedures. “Parents were informed along with their children earlier during the year that selections are going to be done online, hence, nobody has any excuse of being unable to access their results online.” “We advised students to be in possession of a smartphone.” Mr. Kulai also spoke positively about the progress, Malabunga has made in the number of Grade 12s entering university in his school. “Back in 2011, we had less than 30 students entering university but since 2019 till the present year the number has increased to more than 60 students.” Mr. Kulai, however, believes that Malabunga can send 100 students to universities and colleges. He further explained that when students score As and Bs they are selected to universities, whereas students who score Bs and Cs are selected to colleges. “Any student who scores a D grade or below is automatically disqualified from selection.” “We encourage our students to score in the A and B grades, so that if their grades drop a little, they are still able to make it into colleges.” Mr. Kulai also stressed the importance of students being disciplined. He stated that one of the factors contributing to poor grades is students’ attitude. “You can have the brains but if you’re not disciplined, you will not perform well.” In 2023, there were roughly more than 23,000 but only 11, 000 made it into tertiary institutions; 6000 Grade 12 students were selected it into universities and 5,000 to colleges.