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!

10 Best Wishes for Exam

Exams can be a stressful time for students of all ages. However, there are a few things that you can do to wish them the best of luck and help them feel more confident. 

Here are 10 of the best wishes for exams:

1. Good luck!

This is the most classic exam wish, and it's always a good choice. It's short, sweet, and to the point.

2. You've got this!

This wish is a bit more specific, and it's a good way to show that you believe in the student's abilities.

3. Remember all your hard work.

This wish is a reminder that the student has put in the time and effort to prepare for the exam, and that will pay off.

4. Stay calm and focused.

It's important for students to stay calm and focused on the day of the exam. This wish can help them remember to do so.

5. Read each question carefully.

This wish is a reminder to take the time to read each question carefully and make sure that they understand it before answering.

6. If you don't know the answer, don't panic.

It's perfectly normal not to know the answer to every question. If a student is unsure, they can skip the question and come back to it later.

7. Check your work before submitting it.

It's important to take a few minutes to check your work before submitting it. This can help catch any careless mistakes.

8. I'm proud of you, no matter what.

This wish is a reminder that the student is loved and supported, regardless of the outcome of the exam.

9. You're going to do great!

This wish is a simple but effective way to express your confidence in the student.

10. I'm here for you if you need anything.

This wish lets the student know that you're there to support them, both before and after the exam.

When wishing someone good luck on their exam, it's important to be sincere and supportive. Your words can make a big difference in their confidence and performance.

Grade 10 Maths Exam Papers, Study Topics and Memos for Revision - Free

The latest Grade 10 Maths Past Exam Papers are now available for download. We believe that you have done the maths Mock Exam and are preparing for the Lower Secondary School Mathematics Exam.

Here is how you can get the Grade 10 past mathematics exam papers  (Questions and Answers) 

Note that by doing this we help others who may also need past maths exam papers to prepare for their Grade 10 maths exam.

Download Exam week study planner

The exam planner is a good way to organise yourself during exam week. It is basically an exam study timetable to help you organise yourself during the hectic exam week.

You can download the planner by following this link >>Get Study Planner

Old maths Exam Papers PDF Download - Free

We have a 10 years collection of online math exam papers in PDF you can download in one click. The maths papers are from 2010 to 2018, including the 2019 maths exam paper.

You can download the 2010 to 2018 maths old exam papers by following this link >> Get Grade 10 Maths Exam Papers 2010 - latest paper

Get your copy of the 2017-2020 Grade 10 maths exam paper now

Do not forget to share and message us to get you a PDF copy of the mathematics exam paper. Follow the 3 steps and message us, As mentioned, we will give you a unique password for you to download a copy of the 2019 maths paper; and prepare before the real examination on Monday!

We know revising for exams is important because it helps to stop anxiety and stress. We created a Maths website where you can download Grade 8, Grade 10 and Grade 12 Mx General Maths and Advanced Maths Exam Papers. GET THEM HERE.

Best wishes.

Recommended reading - Write & Earn real money

Here are some extra readings for Grade 10 students going to Grade 11 next year. If you are interested to make money online, you can write to us. We pay for every 800 words. You can write about yourself, your experience as a Grade 10 student or your dream for the future - anything educational and inspiring!

So, do not waste the holiday. Write to PNG Insight. We will pay you for every *interesting* submission. Read about how to get involved in the PNG Young Writers' Corner.

PNG National Examination Dates and Term Holidays 2024 [PNG School Calendar]

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Education Calendar for 2024 has been released, providing students, teachers, and parents with a clear outline of the academic year. 

The calendar provides important information regarding the dates for national examinations, school holidays, and public holidays in PNG. 

Check out the 2024 Gazetted Public Holiday PDF file here and download it!

2024 National Examination Dates

The dates are an essential aspect of the PNG Education Calendar. These examinations are critical for students in their academic journey as they determine whether students progress to the next level of their education.

The 2024 National Examination Dates are as follows:

• Lower Secondary School Certificate Written Expression (Grade 10): Thursday, June 6, 2024

• Upper Secondary School Certificate Written Expression Exam (Grade 12): Monday, August 5, 2024

• *Grade 12 STEM Exams: Tuesday, September 17 to Monday, September 23, 2024

• Lower Secondary School Certificate Exams (Grade 10): Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4, 2024

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

• Certificate of Basic Education Exams (Grade 8): Monday, October 21 to Thursday, October 24, 2024

* Note that there is likely change to the STEM exam dates - check with your school principals or provincial exam supervisors for the latest updates.

School Holidays and Term Dates

School holidays play a vital role in the education of students, as they provide a break from academic work and allow students to recharge their batteries. 

The school holidays in PNG are designed to coincide with major events in the country, such as the national elections and other significant cultural events. 

1. Term Dates for TEACHERS:

• Start Term 1: Monday, January 22, 2024
• Start Term 4: Monday, September 30, 2024
• School Closure: Friday, December 6, 2024
• School Reopening: Monday, January 20, 2025

2. Term Dates for STUDENTS

• Start Term 1: Monday, January 29, 2024
• Start Term 2: Monday, April 15, 2024
• Start Term 3: Monday, July 8, 2024
• Start Term 4: Monday, September 30, 2024
• School Closure: Friday, December 6, 2024
• School Reopening: Monday, January 27, 2025

3. Term Holidays

Term 1 Holiday: Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 12, 2024

Term 2 Holiday: Monday, June 24 to Friday, July 5, 2024

Term 3 Holiday: Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27, 2024

Download past mathematics exam papers on PNG Insight Maths Resources website

 

Prepare for the exams. Download the Grade 8, Grade 10 and Grade 12 maths exam papers online. 

 

Here is a video instruction on how to download the Grade 12, 10 and 8 maths papers and prepare for the final exams. 

Examinations 2017 Results: Education Department Acknowledged 28 Schools out of 301 Grade 10 and 164 Grade 12 Schools

Re-posted​

THE Education Department has recognised 28 high and secondary schools in the country who have put in a lot of effort to improve their academic performance.

Secretary Dr Uke Kombra presented the Best Academic Performing School and the Most Improved School awards to the schools based on the grade 10 and grade 12 examination results.

The top 10 academic performing schools for grade 10 are:

1. Oksapmin High School in West Sepik, 
2. St Charles Lwanga High (NCD), 
3. Gordon Secondary School (NCD), 
4. Cameron Secondary School (Milne Bay), 
5. Jubilee Catholic Secondary (NCD), 
6. Manus Secondary (Manus), 
7. Busu Secondary (Morobe), 
8. Mercy Secondary (East Sepik),
9. Mt Hagen Secondary (WHP) and
10. *not indicated from the source.

The five most improved schools for grade 10 are:

1. Kompiam High School (Enga), 
2. Sacred Heart Tapini Secondary (Central), 
3. Misima High (Milne Bay), 
4. Kiriwina High (Milne Bay) and 
5. Yano High (Central).

The 10 Academic Performing schools for grade 12 are: 

1. Port Moresby National High (NCD), 
2. Marianville Secondary (NCD), 
3. Kerevat National High (ENB), 
4. Wawin National High (Morobe), 
5. Sogeri National High (Central), 
6. Aiyura National High (EHP), 
7. Cameron Secondary (Milne Bay), 
8. St Ignatius Secondary (West Sepik), 
9. Passam National High (ESP), and 
10. Mt Hagen Secondary (WHP).

The five most improved schools for grade 12 are:

1. Utmei Secondary (ENB), 
2. Busu Secondary (Morobe), 
3. Ecom Secondary (Manus), 
4. Manggai Secondary (New Ireland) and 
5. Buin Secondary (AROB).

“We want to recognise those schools which are making more effort to make a difference in the students’ life and academic life, so we want to reinforce schools to put in more effort towards students’ education” Kombra said.

“Out of the 301 high and secondary schools that sat for the grade 10 national examinations and 164 secondary schools that sat for the grade 12 exams, we know there are many challenges that are affecting schools in their own contexts.”

Phasing Out Grades 8, 10 and 12 Examinations Must Be Done With Care

Phasing out examinations at Grades 8,10 and 12 can have serious impact on standard of education in the country - it will affect both students' behaviour to learning (study) and teachers' approach to teaching. 

This change (if it happens) will completely revolutionise, for worse or for better, the whole teaching-and-learning process. This change must be done with caution.

It must be done with proper planning and based on proper academic research or a special parliamentary committee findings. I don't think changing the system to meet some UN's Medium Development Goals (MDGs) is the best way. Compulsory education at elementary and primary schools and compulsory education at secondary school have to be differentiated when it comes to discussing educational changes and how each stage is catered for in terms of giving every child the best chance to excel in life.

As learnt from the curriculum change, OBE-1993, a change without clear plan is doomed to fail.Therefore, among the three main changes (Structural change 2016, Curriculum Change 2015, Examination Change) a clear plan must be set in motion prior to implementing it. The details, thereof, must be communicated to all stakeholders so that they also know what is expected, instead of expecting the unexpected.

We (by 'we' I mean the politicians, senior education officials and all stakeholders) must know what is actually changing, and not just about what is changing. So, what is the alternative to phasing out examinations? Will the 'new' assessment style be formal, informal or a bit of both? How will it be carried out and who will be responsible, teachers or Measurement Service Division?

I want to see improvement in the way examinations are conducted, I want to see spaces expanding and more students make it to Grade 12, but phasing-out exams, just,  to let everyone through without a rigorous assessment and or examination system may not be the best thing for our children now and in the future.

Here is what other Papua New Guineans are saying about this change.

RETENTION: A SHOCKING 96% OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS DROP-OUT

PNG government and education department would have realised that a large portion of teenagers is missing out on higher education. Stats are indicating a sad situation where over 96% of primary school students are pushed out of the system just 4 years before they could have had a chance to get a tertiary education. 

Technical or vocational education

The point here is not about Grade 12 students entering colleges or universities, but having a plan for MOST of the Year 8s to get technical or vocational education. 

It is more important to take them on board the education train than to leave them on their own to fend for themselves at such an early age.

The  Acting Education Secretary, Dr Kombra, in a newspaper report revealed that this year (2015) 120 000 Grade 8, 59 000 Grade 10 and 23 200 Grade 12 students would be taking national examinations. But, there are fewer than 4500 spaces at tertiary institutions.

Numbers of students in grades 8, 10 and 12 

Take a look at the table showing the numbers of students in grades 8, 10 and 12 compared to spaces available to them after leaving school at the age of 18 years.

Retention is the problem, not dropout: students do drop out at will sometimes but those pushed out are more than those leaving. 

So, the government has the responsibility to do something- anything it can- to increase spaces at tertiary level. If this trend is left unchecked, the government's plan to give the younger generation a proper education would not be realised.

Expanding primary and secondary schools

Primary and secondary schools (then community and high schools) mushroomed whereas spaces at tertiary institutions remain low since structural changes took place. 

The number of students entering lower and upper secondary schools increases proportionately, too.

One can also argue that number of students is further growing as a result of the government's free education policy. 

Vocational schools and technical colleges - Key

Go back to the village and you'll find youngsters are going back to the classroom after years outside. This is not a bad thing. 

However, the point is where else they go after they are given this second chance. Do something to improve their chance of getting into vocational schools and technical colleges. 

If the government is really serious about educating the younger generations, it has to start putting its money where its mouth is - increase retention within the system, especially at the vocational and technical training sector.

This does not mean only creating new institutions but expanding the number of spaces available to students at existing higher learning institutions. 

This is surely not a lot to ask. 

96% of Grade 8 students drop out

Of tthe 120,000+ Grade 8 students who sat for the annual exams, only 4% of them will eventually enter a tertiary institution in the country. 

You do the maths. It is insanity.

Why give Year 8 students false hope - hope that one day they could be entering a university or college when 96% are bound for the villages or streets?

Any goals in our National education plans, medium or long term, would not be of any meaning if only 4% of 15 and 16-year-olds will enter higher learning institutions. 

It would be BETTER if 96% make it through, wouldn’t it? The onus is now on the government and leaders in education circles to see through the problem and find an immediate solution.