Grace marks

Published September 15, 2021

THE decision to promote all students awaiting the results of their board exams by awarding grace marks is likely to raise doubts. Though the move may appear fair to many in light of the current situation in which frequent school closures have disrupted studies, there is also the issue of how well the students — or at least a number of them — can cope in a higher grade. The Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference decided on Monday to award students who had appeared in their board exams for Matric or Intermediate but who scored below the pass mark, 33pc to make them eligible for the next stage. It was also decided that students would be awarded 50pc grace marks in practical examinations. This was a decision taken by education ministers in all the provinces. There is no doubt that students, teachers and the education authorities have faced unprecedented challenges in the outgoing academic year, but there is now a greater challenge to face as unprepared students are thrust into the next academic session which will obviously require a more advanced understanding of their subjects than they had in the previous grade. Besides, it will be seen as unfair by those students who, despite the difficulties, worked hard to earn their grade.

Surely this state of affairs should lead our education departments to think deeply about how to deal with a challenge that is likely to recur if the Covid situation does not improve and school closures remain frequent. In addition to devising a marking scheme that is more reflective of students’ true capabilities, it might want to take lessons from other countries whose solid educational infrastructure has made access to remote learning via laptops, smartphones and high-speed internet easy for secondary students. This will not be easy in our context and new, innovative ways of teaching large numbers of students will also have to be found. The awarding of grace marks must be a one-time concession. Education departments know the challenges of Covid by now and should plan accordingly.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.