PHASE OUT EXAMS, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, FODE, TVET - Why now?

COMMENTARY: The PNG education system is going through significant changes in 10 years to 2029 as indicated in the new National Education Plan 2029 (NEP). Here are the main points:

  • Phase-out Grade 10 & 8 exams and introduce what is called National Education Quality Assessment Testing.
  • Students will continue to Grade 12 without taking the normal exams at Grade 8 and 10, only 1 exit/exam at Grade 12.
The education department and the PNG govt want Churches and Private institutions to do more to deliver Early Childhood Education in what it called the Public-Private and Church Partnership. The department noted that Early Childhood Education is NOT its responsibility at present, however it sees Early Childhood learning as an important entry point in education. A cliché?

School restructure will result in the removal of the Elementary Education Structure and replacing it with Preparatory Schools, prep. A new 1-6-6 structure will come into effect.

This is the structure that many of (if not you) your parents and grandparents have been through. It is like going back to where we started! So why now? Somebody had got it completely wrong?

Is removing exams a mistake?

Removing examinations at Grade 8 and 10 is going to shake the foundation of the Education System in PNG, no doubt. 

The PNG govt and the education advisors have got it wrong in the past. The 1-6-6 to 2-6-4 to 1-6-6 structural re-adjustment is one example of an unnecessary change. Another example of an unnecessary change in the curriculum change we saw lately, OBE to SBE to OBE.

There are many other changes that should not have happened - what is happening is a case of destroying what works well. 

The main reason is that the PNG govt cannot effectively conduct exams - it just costs too much. Furthermore, there are too many students in schools dropping out at Grade 8 and Grade 10 - the govt wants them to have a Grade 12 education. 

However, these are not good reasons to remove examinations (external assessments) and instead opt for classroom-based assessments. THIS CAN BE THE WORST MISTAKE!

You see, this kind of assessment will save the govt money, but it is not as effective as it is intended to be. At present, the education department cannot rely on the internal assessment marks schools sent to Waigani. They need an external assessment. 

Exams and Assessments

The PNG govt and parents need to know that the education department does *not* have to remove the exam and replace it with another assessment it called National Education Quality Assessment Testing. Both can work side by side. 

There are already these kinds of literacy and numeracy (L&N)  assessments at Grades 3, 5 and 7 in PNG called PILNA. In Australia, they have the NAPLAN. These are broad-based  (literacy and numeracy competency) assessments that run alongside the main examinations.

Though these external L&N assessments are different in design and purpose, they are fundamental pillars of measuring learning. 

Therefore, removing one and replacing it with another IS NOT the right thing to do!

The Education Structure 1-6-6

  • Prep 1 year, one entry (1)
  • Primary School, Grade 1 to Grade 6 (6)
  • Sec/National High Schools, Grade 7 - 12 (6)
Indicatively, the 1-6-6 structural adjustment is going to be a huge task.

The education dept plans to 'park' FODE and TVET in high/secondary schools. That would mean that distance education and technical vocational education will be part of the mainstream schools. A better option for 'absorbing' the high number of students at these levels, but just 'parking' these institutions is not good enough. The High/Secondary schools are not parking areas, they are institutions in their own respects.

The CCVE curriculum is in line with the PNG's vision and mission embedded in the Constitution - Christian Country.

In retrospect, a better curriculum teaches the Traditional Ethics & Respect for Elders, Land and Community. CCVE curriculum is absent of the important traditions and cultures of Papua New Guinea. 

What is Christain education when the local knowledge, languages, respect, war history and traditional cultural practices are neglected and or completely absent from the curriculum?

NEP2029 must be a practical document, unlike other past 'paper plans'!

Read the extract from the NEP 2029 below. PNG Insight's Tweets are aimed to add value to this discussion on education planning and development taking place in the country.

You can find the education apps and directory listings here

Fiji is known to have performed really in it Education Goals
NOTE: Fiji has been able to effectively align the Global Education Goals (MDG 2 and SDG 4) to its local targets - performed extremely well as compared to Papua New Guinea. READ ABOUT IT HERE

Background

  1. The current NEP 2020-2029 supersedes the NEP 2015-2019.
  2. The development of the NEP 2020-2029 is based on the best-practice and lessons learnt from the implementation of the NEP 2005-2014, NEP 2015-2019, research documents, reviews, Impact Projects, Programs and data from the Education Management Information System
  3. The National Education Plan was completed in January 2020 and then went through several consultation processes before the CoVID 19 lockdown. The plan was finally approved in principle by NEC in its 19th meeting in 2020 and through the NEC decision 347/2020.
  4. Every province will play a critical role in the implementation of the NEP using the same framework. Provinces will develop their 3 Year Provincial Education

Implementation Plans using the Nine (9) Focus Areas in the NEP 2029

The nine focus areas in the NEP for the next 9 years are:

1. Early Childhood Education 

That all Papua New Guinean children are provided with an opportunity to enrol in an Early Childhood Education program to ensure their full school readiness for entry into the formal education system.

2. Access

That all Papua New Guineans have access to 13 years of education and training in a safe and hygienic environment that is conducive to learning.

3. Equity

That all Papua New Guineans will have equal opportunity regardless of geographic location, economic circumstances, gender and disability.

4. Teachers and teaching

That there will be sufficient well-trained and qualified teachers to meet student demand with resources and support at schools to allow for quality teaching and learning taking place.

5. Quality Learning

That an appropriate curriculum and assessment system is in place to allow learners, supported by relevant and sufficient learning materials, to acquire globally comparable skills and knowledge, certificated when appropriate, required for each to lead a productive and healthy life and contribute meaningfully to national development.

6. Education pathways

That there are easy-to-access pathways available outside of the traditional post-primary education sector that will allow learners to choose an equivalent, alternative way which to attain the knowledge and skills that they need to lead a happy and fulfilling life

7. Local management and partnership

That strong local education leadership at the district, community and school level has ensured well-managed schools, monitored on a regular basis, that are supported by and are fully accountable to the communities that they serve.

8. Management and administration

That national, provincial and district systems will operate efficiently, utilising appropriate information technology, that will allow schools and teachers to focus on improved student learning outcomes.

9. Citizenship and values

That when children exit from the education system they have a sense of who they are and where they come from in respect of Christian principles, their customs, cultures and beliefs, and show tolerance to and an acceptance of PNG ways

Major Strategic Features of the NEP 2020-2029

13 Years of Quality Universal Education: Under this plan, through the school restructure reform, the Department of Education is now taking a bold step to declare 13 years of Universal Education. Children will start at the age of 6 in a preparatory grade and receive a relevant 13 years until they reach grade 12. The move is an exciting and highly significant step forward for PNG as it will see PNG lead in commitments to new global targets.

One Entry One Exit: Children to complete school at Grade 12 and Grade 12 certificate to be the recognized certificate.

Restructure of the School Systems: The plan carefully lays out the 1-6-6 school structure which will see elementary education phased out and replaced as Pre School. 

Key features include the following:

  • Offer 13 years of universal education,
  • One entry at prep and one exit at grade 12.
  • Early childhood will become part of the formal system in 2023 preparing a child for formal schooling at prep grade.
  • Primary education will start at grade 1 and finish at grade 6.
  • High School will start at grade 7 and finish at grade 12.
  • National High Schools to become schools of excellence.

As the restructure takes effect there will be a need to build new or expand existing infrastructure to cater for additional enrolment. The infrastructure development will happen gradually over the plan period.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education is not at present the responsibility of the DoE but, there is an increasing acknowledgement of its importance and the global call to promote early childhood learning has challenged the department to develop an ECE Policy and to include ECE in this plan. In this plan period, a PNG model for ECE to capture especially the 4 and 5 year olds will take a Public-Private and Church Partnership approach until such time the government takes on board all aspects of all ECE teaching and learning.

Districts and Churches to partner in delivering Early Childhood Education 

Qualified and competent teacher: To cater for 13 years of universal education, teachers in all sectors must receive high-quality pre-service programs and further undergo professional development programs through regular in-service. Along with improved teacher quality, factors such as the provision of suitable housing and better administration of teacher conditions and welfare are critical.

Infrastructure: An important aspect of quality is adequate school infrastructure. There are many schools in the country that do not have this and the Plan required a significant commitment from all parties, including different levels of Government, schools themselves and local communities, to improve this situation. More than just classrooms, the Plan also required specialist buildings to reflect the importance being afforded the STEM disciplines. It is impossible to know just how much has been done because records are not kept. A start has been made on encouraging sound Water, Sanitation Hygiene (WaSH) practices.

Standards-Based CurriculumOutcome-based Education has been phased out and replaced with Standards-Based Education. The standards-based curriculum will be used in all schools. An attempt to harness the power of the digital age in this plan will see the production of the curriculum in electronic forms for e-learning. 

Citizenship and Christian Values Education (CCVE): Implementing CCVE curriculum will pave the way forward for children to be taught life-changing and guiding Christian principles values and ethics

Education Pathways: To achieve Universal Education, students need to be able to choose the most suitable pathways to their needs. This plan looks at developing and promoting an understanding among parents and students for TVET education pathways, purpose and routes to employment. Strengthening the FODE system and linking FODE and TVET will provide a viable option for students’ movements between the education pathways.

Flexible, Open & Distance Education and Technical, Vocational Education Training: FODE and TVET to be parked in a High School or Secondary School in 2021 and onwards. Provincial Governments and Districts to ensure at least one local level Government has a high school.

General Features Education in Papua New Guinea 2029

Equity

Despite the progress that has been made in providing education to an increasing number of children and young people, not all Papua New Guineans have been able to benefit fully from these advances. It has long been acknowledged that girls and women have been at a disadvantage. 

This NEP has put in place strategies to try and ensure that girls are given equal opportunities to participate in education and to contribute equally to national development. Equity also takes into account the plight of three other groups of people who have been let down by the formal education system. 

First are those who have special needs and who are not able to take their place in the regular school system. An inclusive education plan has been developed and endorsed with this group in mind.

Second are the children and young people who have been left behind, either because they have never been to school, or have dropped out for whatever reason prior to completing basic education. 

Third are the children from the most rural and remote parts of the country where the schools face their own particular problems.

Examination and Assessment

The current grade 8 and 10 examinations will be used for measuring standards and not for selection while the National Examination at Grade 12 will be for selection into tertiary institutions for all students (in mainstream schools, permitted schools, FODE and TVET institutions). This will be achieved over time. 

It will be mandatory for students to sit for the National Education Quality Standards Assessment Test to monitor curriculum and teacher standards.

Language of Instruction

English will be the language of instruction for all schools in the national education system.

Minimum Operating Standards.

There will be standards set on school sizes, class sizes, and teacher to student ratio for each level of education. These standards will determine the establishment of the new school, approval of additional classes and creation of teaching positions.

Leadership and Partnership

Emphasis is also on School Leadership so that there are good school planning and management. Community and Parental Support is also an essential part of this plan. 

The government will continue to support schools through subsidies and grants. All schools to develop School Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP).

PNG Insight has been following the major developments in education in Papua New Guinea for over 10 years. You can find my work here: Education Policies

New police clearance certificate with security features launched (MEDIA STATEMENT)

The Police Crimes Division launched on Monday a new police clearance certificate with security features.

Assistant Commissioner Crimes Hodges Ette said the issuance of the new certificates will prevent false police clearance certificates from being issued. The new Police Clearance Certificate which was launched at the Crime Division conference room at the police headquarters in Port Moresby was witnessed by senior police officers as well as staff from the Crimes Division and Interpol.

Mr Ette said the new police clearance certificate came into effect on Monday 15 November. Certificates issued prior will remain valid until March 2022. He said the RPNGC is changing the old police clearance certificate that has been used for the last 46 years since independence.

“The old format of producing police clearance certificates has been abused, and fraudulently used. People are printing them outside of the actually established system. We have fraudsters producing police clearance certificates fraudulently. The constabulary has been accused of facilitating or fraudulently producing false documents,” Mr Ette said.

Mr Ette however said that the police clearance certificate was previously done at a small administrative fee of K10.00 which was increased to K65.00 this year. He said Police make about K9,000.00 per day especially from the applications received in the National Capital District. He added that so far this year the Constabulary was able to collect K800,000.00 in police clearance fees.

“This particular certificate comes in three categories one for citizens, another one for expatriates and we also developed for PMVs as well. I am sure Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) and the transport sector will also be interested,” Mr Ette said, adding that certain categories would be put in with a reasonable fee at a future date. For instance, a person trying to get a job as a security guard will pay K65.00 but if they are trying to become the head of a government department they may pay up to K1,000.00 for the certificate.

Mr Ette said police are in the process of developing a work based system that can be accessed anywhere in the country. This system will also be of interest to various stakeholders including the National Statistical Office (NSO), Foreign Affairs and others.

Mr Ette said the new certificate with the security features will cost zero Kina to develop.

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT/Facebook

Tuesday 16th November, 2021

Read about How to Obtain Police Clearance Check



Grade 12 Students SLF Grace Period - Why GP is Important

The DHERST Grace Period offers a unique opportunity for current Grade 12 students to make informed decisions for their School Leavers Form (SLF). Unlike previous years, students can now adjust their choices based on their exam marks during this period. 

NOAS Application Eligible Programs During the Grade Period

DHERST Online Application 2024 (NOAS LOGIN) 

DHERST Online Application System (NOAS) The National Online Application System (NOAS) significantly enhances the selection process. It provides students with upfront clarity by highlighting ineligible options in red, minimizing the risk of mistakes. Students can make up to five choices, increasing their chances of getting into a tertiary institution. 

Previously, the manual SLF allowed only three choices and did not permit changes after submission. Grade 12 students should maximize the Grace Period to secure a spot for 2024 at a tertiary institution. 

CLICK HERE to know the latest on 2025 DHERST TESAS LIST PUBLICATION DATE

Key Dates (expected) 2024/2025

The following important dates are crucial for examinations, results, and selections in Papua New Guinea: 

  • Mid-December 2024: DHERST launches the 2024 selection for the 2025 academic year. Early-December 2024: NOAS Grace Period. 
  • Second Week of December 2024: The Education Department, through MSD, releases Grade 12 Exam Results to DHERST. 
  • First Week of December 2024: Grade 10 and 12 Exam Results are launched. 
  • Late November 2024: Education Officers/GES start 2024 Grade 11 Selections. These dates are based on previous years and may vary slightly. 
The 2024/2025 Grade 11 selection lists are likely to be released in the second or third week of December 2024. 
DHERST Online Application 2023 (NAOS)

Importance of the Grace Period 

The Grace Period lasts five days, during which Grade 12 students should adjust their choices. DHERST will indicate eligibility on NOAS based on examination marks. 

Here’s what DHERST says about the importance of the Grace Period: 

 "This [Grace Period] is a crucial period where you will start making your choices based on your final grade 12 results. Ensure to access your account during the mentioned dates. If you see a red highlight in any of your five choices under 'My Choices,' this means your final result has not met the minimum program requirement set by the institution. Therefore, you must change the red highlighted choice to a different program available in your program list."

The online selection is quick. Grade 12 students have around five days to adjust their choices to more suitable ones. DHERST will not grant access to make changes after this period. The Grace Period's due date is final. 

Launching 2024 Selections for the 2025 Academic Year 

The online selection via DHERST's National Online Selections System (NOSS) is efficient, completing the process in just three days. 

DHERST may launch the 2024 selections for the 2025 academic year the week following the Grace Period’s due date, likely on the following Tuesday, based on past trends. If all goes to plan, students will see their selection status by the announced date. 

Checking Your 2024 Grade 12 Exam Marks 

By now, students should know their Grade 12 exam marks, accessible through the My PNG Exam Results website. Note that DHERST does not display Grade 12 students' exam marks. 

NOAS, administered by DHERST, facilitates national admissions and selections into higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea. It primarily serves Grade 12 school-leaver applications. 

Non-School Leaver Applicants Non-school leaver applicants must contact their chosen institutions directly and follow the respective application requirements. 

For further information, please contact DHERST Support Service at noassupport@dherst.gov.pg. 

 Stay informed and proactive to make the most of this critical period in your academic journey.
Firstly, the National Online Application System (NOAS) gives the students the right choice upfront by highlighting (in red) the 'ineligible' options. 

resources:

  • The latest dates for exam results and selections are now available here.)
  • By now, you should know your Grade 12 exam marks. The marks are accessible through My PNG Exam Results website.

What to Know About My PNG Exam Results Release Dates and 2025 Selection Lists PDF

The period from October 2024 to January 2025 is filled with excitement for students in Papua New Guinea as they await the release of the 2024 Exam Results and the 2025 Selection Lists to come out. So, when will the PNG Education Department release exam results and selection lists?

The dates are not included on the education calendar, however, we have followed the 'My PNG Exam Results Release Dates' over the past 10 years to share this information with you as you await the release of the exam results and selection lists

The 2024 Selection lists for Grade 12, 10, and 8 students in PNG will be released after the 2024 exam results are available to selection committees. This typically occurs between October 2024 and January 2025.

2024/2025 Important Dates & Expectations

PNG INSIGHT UPDATES: Here is an overview of important dates for examinations, results, and selections. The expected dates are in reverse order and based on the past dates since 2021.

IMPORTANT: These dates are based on past updates - provided here to give you an idea about what is likely to happen this year. The exact dates will be released by the Education Department. Follow PNG Insight on Google and stay updated.

  • RELEASE OF Grade 11 SELECTIONS 2025 (PENDING)
  • NDoE/MSD publishes Grade 10 national exam results: Late Nov - Early December 2024 (Just as PNG Insight PREDICTED - the results will come out on December 6, 2024DONE
  • Grade 10 and 12 Exam Marks and Data Cleansing: Completed by late Nov 2024 in time for the release of 2024 exam results to students, selectors and stakeholders. DONE
  • Grade 8, 10 and 12 Exam marking: October  - Nov 2024 DONE
  • Grade 10 National Examinations: October 2024 DONE
  • Grade 12 National Examinations:  October 2024. DONE
  • Grade 8 National Examinations: October 2024. DONE
For the latest updates on Grade 11 selections, visit PNG Insight Education & Development website for the latest updates for this year. Here are the links:


Alternative Pathways

However, it's important to note that some students may explore alternative options, such as enrolling in programs like the Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE), or in some cases, returning to their hometowns to pursue other avenues. Each student's unique circumstances and aspirations play a role in determining the path they choose.

Overall, this period is marked by anticipation and optimism as students in Papua New Guinea strive to continue their educational journey and unlock new opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Grade 10 National Exam Results and Selections

The Grade 10 national yearly exam results are usually released just before the Grade 11 Selection Conference on the first week of December.

The 2024 Selection lists for National High and Secondary Schools are, likely, to be published 2 weeks after the release of the results. That means that the selection committee will take a week to finalize the selection, and the education department will take another week to publish the list.

Here we take a look at why the Education Department needs to set the publication dates for the Release of Exam Results and Grade 11 Selection Lists, read about it here.


Grade 12 National Exam Results

The Education Department through the MSD will release the 2024 Grade 12 exam results to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST) around the second week of December.

The Education Department (MSD) conducts the exams, coordinates marking, compiles students' exam marks and sends them to DHERST.

DHERST then uses the marks to select students for higher institutions.


2025 Grade 12 Selections Date

The Grade 12 students can check their examination results on/around December via the Education Department's (NDoE/MSD) website called My PNG Exam Results. Last year, the results came out on the 8th of December - this will give you an idea about when the exam results will be released this year.

Note that DHERST does not process the marks. DHERST usually takes less than a week to process the selection listings for tertiary institutions in the country.

It works in collaboration with universities, colleges, and other tertiary institutions to do the selection. But, first, the institutions MUST tell DHERST their quota - how many students they will accept for the academic year 2025.

So, unless the institutions provide the quotas on time DHERST will not release the listing.

It is important to note that the higher institutions NOT sending the quotas often resulted in delays.

2024 Grade 12 selection list download - png results pg.results.news


2024 Grade 9 Selection List

The Grade 8 exam marking, results, and Grade 9 selection are the responsibility of the respective provinces. The Department of Education passed this responsibility to the provinces.

The education department will send the Grade 8 certificates to the schools/provinces before the end of December every year. However, many provinces have failed to issue Grade 8 certificates to students.

Read about this failure and how the Education authorities Do the Grade 9 Selections.

2024 - 2025 Grade 9 selection list download


What do the 2025 Selections Mean?

For Grade 10 students, the 2025 selections signify a transition to Grade 11 or vocational centres, where they can further their academic pursuits or acquire practical skills. 

For Grade 12 students, it means striving for admission into tertiary institutions, paving the way for their higher education journey. 

Similarly, Grade 8 students eagerly anticipate moving up to Grade 9, marking a significant step in their educational progression.


When is the Grade 11 Selection list coming out?

Based on the dates above we can infer that the Grade 11 selection lists will be released before the mid- December 2024.

Bookmark this page or join PNG Insight on YouTube and stay tuned, we will bring you the latest updates as they happen.

More information on 2024 exam results and 2025 selections:

  • Click here for the latest update on ''2024 Selections Dates''. 
  • List of 2023 Top Performing Schools in PNG now available - click here
  • Find out about How the Grade 11 Selection Committee does the selection in this article.
  • After all the exam processes are completed and results are released, here is what you expect to happen between now and January get the details here.

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