Enlisting FODE learners in TVET Courses: A Critical Discussion for Educational Equity

Enlisting Flexible and Distance Education (FODE) learners in Vocational and Technical Education (TVET) courses is a crucial discussion within the education circles. FODE learners must have a clear pathway directly into TVET programs to address the high number of children in this area. 

What is currently being done is not enough to get them into Grade 10, 12, or universities and colleges. This is where it matters the most.

A Critical Discussion for Educational Equity

FODE learners are often those who cannot attend traditional schools due to factors such as location, work, or family commitments. 

They deserve the same opportunities as traditional learners to pursue TVET education and develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

''FODE learners must have a clear pathway directly into TVET programs to address the high number of children in this area.'' PNG Insight

Enlisting FODE learners in TVET Courses

There are a number of ways to make TVET more accessible to FODE learners. One is to develop blended learning programs that combine online and face-to-face instruction. This would allow FODE learners to learn at their own pace and on their own time, while still having access to support from qualified instructors.

Another way to make TVET more accessible to FODE learners is to offer more flexible admission requirements. For example, some TVET programs could accept students who have not completed Grade 10 or 12, but who have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge.

Finally, it is important to provide FODE learners with financial support to cover the costs of TVET tuition and other expenses. This could be done through scholarships, grants, or work-study programs.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that all learners, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to pursue TVET education and develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.

 TVET Education (Skills for Life)

Enlisting FODE learners in TVET courses is a crucial step towards achieving educational equity and ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to succeed. By making TVET more accessible and affordable, we can help FODE learners develop the skills they need to build better lives for themselves and their families.

PNG Examinations 2024 Exam Dates and Preparations

As September turns to October, students across Papua New Guinea are drawing ever closer to the 2024 Grade 8, Grade 10, and Grade 12 examinations. These external assessments are crucial for Grade 9, Grade 11 and Tertiary selections. 

To ensure you're fully prepared for the challenges ahead, here's what you need to know about the exam dates and where you can access revision resources online.

Download the 2024 PND Education Department CALENDAR

Exam Dates for 2024:

• Grade 10 Exams (Lower Secondary School Certificate - LSSC): Monday 7- Friday 11 October 2024

• Grade 12 Exams (Upper Secondary School Certificate - USSC): Monday 14 - Friday 18 October 2024

• Grade 12 STEM Exams (Upper Secondary School Certificate): Monday 2 to Friday 6 September 2024

• Grade 8 Exams (Certificate of Basic Education Examination - COBEE): Monday 21 - Thursday 24 October 2024

Take note of the Grade 12 Stem Exams Dates as there is a change from the Exam Calendar.

It's important to mark these dates on your calendar and start your final preparations. The clock is ticking, and you have a limited number of days left before the exams.

You can find the detailed exam schedule for the LSSC Grade 10 and HSSCE Grade 12 exams in 2024 on the PNG Insight Blog. Make sure to review the schedule to ensure you know the timing of each exam.

Accessing Past Maths Exam Papers

One of the most valuable resources for exam preparation is past exam papers. They provide insights into the exam format, and question types, and help you identify areas where you need to improve. 

Fortunately, PNG Insight offers an extensive collection of free past maths exam papers for Grades 8, 10, and 12.

These past papers are not only beneficial for students but also for teachers looking for effective teaching materials or revision guides.

How to Accessing Past Maths Papers?

Since 2020, thousands of students and teachers have downloaded these free maths exam papers and answers from the PNG Insight Maths Resources Website.  You can download the past maths exam papers on the Maths Resources website.

To learn more, visit the PNG Insight Blog's page to learn how to download the exam papers. There, you'll find a wealth of past exam papers, exam topics, and answers to help you excel in your maths examinations.

 Exam Dates and Preparations 

In conclusion, the 2024 Grade 8, Grade 10, and Grade 12 examinations are approaching fast. Make the most of the time you have left by setting a study schedule, accessing past exam papers, and practising diligently. 

Your hard work and preparation will pay off on exam day. Best of luck to all the students in Papua New Guinea!

When Do TSA Results Come Out 2025?

The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is administered on a single date each year, shortly after the UCAS application deadline. The upcoming test date.

The TSA Oxford is scored in two sections:

• Section 1: Multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer earns one mark.

• Section 2: Essay writing. Evaluated by the admissions tutor(s) of the Oxford College to which the applicant has applied.

When Do TSA Results Come Out in 2025?

TSA Oxford results are released to applicants at the conclusion of the selection process. The exact release date may vary among colleges.

Find out about the latest BMAT results and TMUA results.

Using Your TSA Results (Oxford Colleges)

The TSA is a valuable tool for Oxford Colleges in assessing the academic potential of prospective students. The weight given to the TSA varies across colleges and academic programs.

To prepare effectively for the TSA, consider the following tips:

• Practice multiple-choice questions: There are many online and library resources available to help you practice answering multiple-choice questions.

• Read widely and think critically: The TSA is designed to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Engage in extensive reading and cultivate critical thinking skills to enhance your readiness for the test.

• Practice essay writing: The essay section of the TSA provides an opportunity to demonstrate your writing and critical thinking capabilities. Practice writing essays on a range of topics and seek feedback from teachers or friends to refine your writing skills.

Understanding Your TSA Results

The TSA Oxford is a standardized assessment utilized by select Oxford colleges in evaluating applicants for undergraduate studies. The test consists of two sections, with Section 1 measuring problem-solving skills and Section 2 focusing on critical thinking.

The raw scores obtained in Section 1 are converted into a scale ranging from 0 to 100. The scale is adjusted to account for the overall difficulty of the test, so different versions may yield slightly varying scores. The aim is to facilitate a direct comparison of scores for candidates taking different test versions.

Most candidates aiming for the highly selective undergraduate courses in the UK are expected to score around 60, as they are academically proficient by definition. Scores exceeding 70 are considered comparatively high, while only a few exceptional candidates achieve scores surpassing 80.

What do different TSA Oxford scores mean?

• Score below 60: Below the average for applicants to highly selective undergraduate courses in the UK.
• Score of 60-69: Roughly at the average for such courses.
• Score of 70-79: Above the average for these courses.
• Score of 80 or above: A very high score achieved by only a few exceptional applicants.

It is important to remember that the TSA Oxford is just one component of the admissions process for Oxford colleges. Other factors like GCSE and A-level grades, personal statements, and interviews are also considered during the evaluation.

Understanding Your TSA Oxford Results

To better comprehend your TSA Oxford results, consider these tips:

• Review the average scores for courses of your interest to gauge how your score compares with other applicants.

• Reflect on your academic strengths and weaknesses. Identify any challenging areas within the TSA Oxford test, as this information can guide your preparation for other admissions tests or interviews.

• Always bear in mind that the TSA Oxford is only a part of the admissions process. Colleges also evaluate other qualifications, personal statements, and interviews as essential components.

If you have queries regarding your TSA Oxford results, it is advisable to reach out to the admissions office of your intended college.

Find out about the latest BMAT results and TMUA results.

Conclusion ( TSA Results 2025)

The TSA plays a significant role in the admissions process for numerous Oxford Colleges. Thorough preparation for the test can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Flag Meaning: More Than Just Colours and Symbols

The flag of Papua New Guinea (PNG) serves as a striking and meaningful representation of the country's identity and heritage. The flag holds a deeper significance that not many people know. To truly grasp its modern-day meaning, one must delve into the traditional roots of its colours and symbols.

Comprising two identical triangles, with the upper one in red and the lower in black, embedded in a rectangle, the flag stands as a symbol of unity, history, and cultural significance. Now, let's explore the symbolism behind the colours (red, black, white, yellow) on the PNG flag.

To find out about the school girl who designed the PNG Flag, click here.

Black and Red: Melanesian People and Culture

The black and red triangular design of the flag carries profound meaning for the people of Papua New Guinea. Black symbolises the Melanesian people, who make up the majority of the country's population. This colour signifies their unique cultural heritage, traditions, and identity, serving as a unifying element that reminds the nation of its rich and diverse heritage.

The red colour is rooted in traditions of the Melanesian poeple. It mirrors the vibrant red hues found on traditional tribal war shields, face and body paintings, and other cultural artifacts used by various ethnic groups across the country. In this context, red represents bravery and the enduring warrior spirit ingrained in the nation's history.

Yellow The Bird of Paradise: Unity in Diversity

Within the red triangle on the PNG flag, a yellow silhouette of the Raggiana bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is depicted. The bird is portrayed in a stylised, tribal art-inspired form, with its wings spread wide, ready to fly. This native bird species, renowned for its resplendent plumage, serves as a potent symbol of Papua New Guinea. 

Also, the yellow silhouette of the Bird of Paradise powerfully represents Papua New Guinea's unique wildlife and natural beauty, and 850 languages and tribal groups. 

Beyond that, it embodies the national motto, "Unity in Diversity." This phrase celebrates the nation's multicultural tapestry, emphasising the importance of unity and harmony among the myriad ethnic groups that call PNG home.

White: Symbolising Purity and Friendship

Amidst the black half of the flag, five striking white five-pointed stars shine brightly. These stars represent the Southern Cross, an important navigational feature in traditional PNG travels, and also mark the planting and harvesting seasons of crops—a crucial piece of traditional knowledge still widely used in many rural communities in the country.

Furthermore, the colour white, featured in this emblem, signifies purity and stands as a representation of the country's aspiration for a harmonious and peaceful future.

The diagonal pattern seen in the flag's background is inspired by the traditional exchange systems (also called the Traditional Barter System) such as the ''Moka'' and ''Hiri Moale'', where tribes exchange goods as a symbol of friendship and alliance. The diagonal pattern thus embodies the spirit of cooperation and unity among Papua New Guinea's diverse ethnic groups.

Check out this video for more detailed meaning of the PNG Flag.

The Shark's Teeth: A Symbol of Strength

Finally, the flag's pattern, consisting of the black and red diagonal triangles, is also thought to represent the shape of a shark's tooth. 

In Melanesian culture, including PNG, the shark's tooth symbolises strength and courage, further underscoring the resilience and determination of the nation's people in the face of challenges.

Here is a POEM about the meaning of PNG Idependence that you might also like, click here to find out.

Papua New Guinea Flag Meaning

In conclusion, the PNG flag weaves together a tapestry of colours and symbols that tell a profound story of the nation's history, culture, and aspirations. 

From the bravery symbolised by red to the unity represented by the tribal patterns and the natural beauty encapsulated by the Bird of Paradise, this flag proudly stands as an emblem of Papua New Guinea's past, present, and future.