Grade 9 selection list for 2025 MOMASE Region

The Grade 9 selection process is an important step in the education journey of students in the Momase Region. This process is based on the student’s performance in both internal and external assessments. In this article, PNG Insight takes a look at how to check the Grade 9 selection list for 2025 MOMASE region, and the important details about the selection students, parents and citizens should know.

Grade 8 Internal Assessments

Internal assessments are conducted by the school. These assessments measure the student’s progress throughout the year and provide valuable feedback to the student and their parents. 

The following subjects are assessed internally:

• English
• Mathematics
• Combined Subjects

Grade 8 Exam Marks - External Assessments

External assessments are administered by the National Department of Education as the Grade 8 Examinations. These assessments measure the student’s aptitude and skills in preparation for secondary school.

The Grade 8 Examination is a nationwide assessment that covers a wide range of topics. The exam consists of three papers: English, Mathematics, and Combined Subjects. Each paper is worth 50 marks.

Selection Criteria for Grade 9 Selection 2025 MOMASE Region

The selection criteria for Grade 9 are as follows. Students must:

• meet the minimum requirements in both internal and external assessments.
• be in good standing with the school and have no disciplinary issues.
• demonstrate strong leadership qualities and be able to work collaboratively.

Parents and guardians should know that the availability of spaces in some of the top secondary schools in the provinces may mean that only the top students are selected to continue Grade 9. 

If you wish for your child to do FODE, check out the information here.

How Parents Can Find Out

Parents can find out if their child has been selected for Grade 9 by checking the provincial education office notice board. The notice board will display the Grade 9 selection list for the MOMASE Region.

The Grade 8 Certificate of Basic Education Examination (CoBEE) is an important award that should be given to every Grade 9 student. The CoBEE is a recognition of the student’s achievement in completing eight years of primary education. It is also a requirement for admission to secondary school.

Provincial Education Boards should prioritise issuing the CoBEE to Grade 8 school leavers. This will ensure that all students have a record of their accomplishments and are prepared for the next stage in their education.

Facts about Grade 9 Selection You Should Know

The Grade 9 Selection List for the 2025 Momase Region is the responsibility of the provincial education officials in Morobe, Madang and Sepik Provinces. 

The National Education Department is responsible for the development of the Grade 8 examination, but its administration and the selection of students for Grade 9 are the responsibility of the provincial education authorities. 

The best people to check the Grade 9 Selection List for 2025 Momase Region are the:

• Grade 8 Provincial Examination Supervisor (PES), 
• Guidance Officer, 
• School Inspector, and
• the Principals of secondary schools and the Head Teachers of high schools.

The Grade 8 Certificate of Basic Education Examination (CoBEE) is an important award that all Grade 9 students should receive.

Final words

The Grade 9 Selection List for the 2025 Momase Region is the responsibility of the Provincial Education Office. Grade 8 students must meet the minimum requirements in both internal and external assessments to be selected for Grade 9. 

Students can find out their selection status by checking the provincial education office notice board. 

The Grade 8 Certificate of Basic Education Examination (CoBEE) is an important award that all Grade 9 students should receive.

PNG EDUCATION UPDATES: Grade 10 Exam Results Release Date and Grade 11 Selection Lists 2025

The Grade 10 Exam Results Release Date and Grade 11 selection process in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are important moments for students. It is when they find out if they can go to Grade 11. 

The release of Grade 10 exam results and the Grade 11 selection is a three-month-long process that involves many different people, including the Department of Education, school principals, and provincial representatives. 

This article will explain the timeline of events, the selection criteria, and why this process is so important for students, parents, and guardians. 

Timeline of Events: Grade 10 Exam Results Release Date, and Grade 11 Selection

Here is a step-by-step timeline of the key events related to the Grade 10 exam results and Grade 11 selection process:

October: National Examinations

• Grade 10 students across PNG take their national exams in October each year.
• The week after the exams, selected Grade 10 teachers in each province mark the exams and record the students' scores.
• Provincial Examination Supervisors (PESs) and provincial marking committees coordinate the making in each province
• The PES sends the Grade 10 results to the Measurement Services Division of the National Education Department in Port Moresby.

Click here to check out the expected release date of the Grade 11 Selection List by the Education Department.

November: Data Checks and Release of PNG Grade 10 Exam Results

In November, the Measurement Services Division (MSD) of the Department of Education checks the Grade 10 students' scores to make sure they are accurate.

This is a very important step because it makes sure that the student's information is correct before the results are released to the selections.

Once the MSD has checked the scores, they release the results for Grade 10 students to the Grade 11 selection committee and also publish the results online.

December: Grade 11 Selection

Two key education entities are involved in the Grade 11 selection process: the General Education Services (GES) of the Department of Education, and school principals or provincial representatives.

• The MSD processes the Grade 10 exam results and makes them available online.
• The GES and principals use these results to select students for Grade 11.
• The selection process can take up to two weeks to finish.
• Once the selection process is finished, the GES publishes the Grade 11 selection list on the Department of Education's website.

Click on the link to get more information about Grade 10 and Grade 12 Selections.

Grade 11 Selection: Weighted-Score System vs. Circumstance

Weighted-Score System

The weighted-score system is the primary method for selecting students for Grade 11 in Papua New Guinea. Students are assigned a weighted score based on their performance on the Grade 10 national exams, with higher scores given to more difficult subjects. Students with the highest weighted scores are selected for Grade 11, regardless of their province or other circumstances.

Watch this video to find out how the Education Department uses this system to select students.

Selection by Circumstance

In addition to the weighted score system, there are several other factors that can influence the selection of students for Grade 11. PNG Insight lists the 5 main factors below.

Academic performance: 

A student's academic performance on the Grade 10 national exams is still a very important factor in the selection process, even if they are selected based on circumstance. 

Number of spaces available: 

There are only a limited number of spaces available in secondary and national high schools.  Students may miss out on selection for Grade 11 even if they do not have the highest weighted scores.

Parental requests: 

Parents and guardians can write to school principals to explain why they want their child to go to a particular school. Principals may consider parental requests when selecting students for Grade 11, but they are not obligated to do so.

Special circumstances: 

In some cases, special circumstances such as family reasons or job transfers may allow principals to select students for Grade 11 at their schools. Principals may consider special circumstances when selecting students for Grade 11, but they are not obligated to do so.

Student preferences: 

Students can indicate their preferences for secondary and national high schools on their School Leavers Forms (SLF). Principals may consider student preferences when selecting students for Grade 11, but they are not obligated to do so.

Significance of the Grade 10 Exam and Grade 11 Selection Process

The Grade 10 exam and Grade 11 selection process is a very important event in the lives of PNG students, parents, and guardians. The outcome of this process determines a student's eligibility to continue their secondary education and pursue their academic dreams.

For students, the Grade 10 exam and Grade 11 selection process is a crucial milestone in their academic journeys. It is a time for them to reflect on their academic progress and set goals for the future. It is also a time for them to seek support from their parents, teachers, and mentors.

For parents and guardians, the Grade 10 exam and Grade 11 selection process is a time of great anticipation and anxiety. They want their children to succeed and have the best possible opportunities for the future. However, they are also aware of the challenges that their children may face in the competitive selection process.

Conclusion

The Grade 10 exam and Grade 11 selection process in Papua New Guinea is a critical event that shapes the academic journeys of students. The transparency and fairness of this process, along with the dedication of educational authorities, ensure that deserving students receive the opportunities they need to achieve their goals in life.

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Disclaimer

This information is based on PNG Insight's in-depth understanding of the exam process and workings of the education department's exams and selection process over the years. We are not affiliated with the education department, nor do we represent the department.

The education department does not publish the exact date for the release of the exam results and the Grade 11 selection list in the Education Calendar. It only announces the date when the results and selection lists are ready. That means that you will have to depend on news, social media, and PNG education website for the latest on Grade 10 (and Grade 8 and 12) results and selection.

Please note that this information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for official information from the education department.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE PAST EXAM PAPERS (VIDEO GUIDE)

How to download the past mathematics exam papers using the password provided. There are two categories of Grade 8 Maths Exam Past Papers:

1) Past (OLD) Papers (2009 - 2014)

2) Latest (2015 - recent Maths Exam Papers)

1) How to download OLD PAPERS

On the information page of the Mathematics Resources website, 

i) Click on the link to download

ii) Check your Gmail Account

iii) Access the OLD PAPER in your Gmail Account

Video Instruction 

2) How to download RECENT (LATEST) PAPERS

At the download page of Mathematics Resources website,

i) Copy the PASSWORD

ii) Click download

iii) Enter this password in the download 'popup window'

iv) Click download

v) Wait for the math paper to download

vi) Check your Gmail Account

Video Instruction 

PNG Insight YouTube channel aims to showcase Papua New Guinea in a positive light. Our channel's videos are original travel videos, educational and inspiring!

Get My Exam Results 2024: How to Login to MyPNGExamResults Portal Using Default Password

The exam results for Grade 10 and Grade 12 are normally released early in December every year. To access your Grade 10 and Grade 12 Exam Results for 2024, simply visit the MyPNGExamResults portal at mypngexamresults.com and follow the instructions on how to log in.

But how do you actually login to MyPNGExamResults Portal? The guide below will show you how to login to 'MyPNGExamResults portal' using the default password. Check out the steps and example to help you access your exam results online.

How to Login Exam Results Portal Using Default Password?

The Grade 10 and Grade 12 Students in the country can now access their results online, anywhere in PNG where there are internet and mobile phone networks. Here is how to check My Exam Results 2024.

The Students will use their 'default password' to log in and access the Grade 10 Exam Result. The default password format is yyyyprschcand

• yyyy is year E.g. 2024
• pr is province code E.g. 36
• sch is school code E.g. 123
• cand is candidate number E.g. 1001 

To access your Grade 10 and Grade 12 Exam Results for 2024, simply visit the MyPNGExamResults 2024 website at mypngexamresults.com and follow the instructions on how to log in.

What to do to access your PNG Exam results

For example, the Grade 10 student Kila KOBLE password will be 2024361231001. So, the

• Surname is Koble
• Given name is Kila
• Password is 2024361231001

This video briefly explains the format of the default password and how to enter the characters correctly.

My PNG Exam Results 2024 Portal

Grade 10 and Grade 12 students will need a smartphone or computer. And mobile data to connect to the internet to view the exam results online. 

The website is called MyPNGExamResults. You can access it via the URL https://www.mypngexamresults.com 2024.

Default password does not work. Help!

Your default password will work if you follow the instruction thoroughly. In a case where your password does not work there are 5 things you must do in order:

• Check with your school that the default password (yyyyprschcand) is correct, especially the candidate number.
• 'Clear input data' and try again.
• Clear the Cache on your mobile phone or computer and try again
• Ask your school to assist you by checking the log in detail, again.
• Only seek assistance from MSD as the last resort, and must be done through your school or Exam Coordinators (also called PES) in the provinces.

Important: If you change your password, it is your responsibility to set it so that ONLY you can remember it. Do not give an excuse that you 'forgot' the password. It is all up to you to ensure that you recall the password every time you need it! 

Resources and article on My PNG Exam Results 2024 for Grade 10 and Grade 12

The video and this article should help you to see your online results without any problem. But if you still have other difficulties, you may find help here. 

• Check out the dates for this year, here.
• You may also find our article on Grade 10 Online results here helpful. 
• We followed the developments in education over the years and have a collection of educational Apps and websites. Click here to check them out.

If you have any questions about the My Exam Results 2024, please leave a comment below.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

Leave a comment and let us know about your visit. 

Grade 8, 10 and 12 Maths Past Exam Paper PDF Download

Grade 8, 10 and 12 Maths Past Exam Papers from 2009 to 2020 are now available for download. We believe that the students have done the maths Mock Exams and are preparing for the Mathematics Exam 2021.

Read more about how to download the latest maths exam paper.

How to download Grade 8, 10 and 12 maths exam papers

If you are a 2021 Grade 8, 10 or 12 student, here is how you can get the Grade 10 mathematics exam paper.

1. Visit PNGINSIGHT.COM mathematics resources website 
2. Click on the Menu and select you grade 
3. Read the instructions and click on the links/buttons.
4. Follow the prompt  to download the exam papers.

We know revising for exam 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.

Share the resources with your family and friends. Note that by doing this we also help others who may also need the past maths exam papers.

Read more about how to download the Grade 10 latest maths exam paper.

Grade 8 Online Skill MCQ Test and Answers | Quick Feedback

Grade 8 Online Skill MCQ Test and Answers is a quick test and feedback online assessment.  The online MCQ test is an addition to the Grades 8, 10 and 12 Exam Papers for Free Download initiative on our new Math Exam Resource website. 

Check it out

This earlier post ( Grade 8, 10 and 12 Math Exam Resource) gives more info about the different features of the website.

We announce three (3) new features. In an effort to help students perform well in mathematics examinations in Papua New Guinea, we:

(i) developed an Online Skill Test for Grade 8 Students, 

(ii) compiled past exam papers (10 years collection) for Grade 8, 10 and 12 students to download for free and revise for mathematics examinations, and

(iii) arranged Grade 10 Exam questions (2010 - 2014) by PNG School Syllabus Unit where students can revise by unit/topic in preparation for the mathematics exam. 

This is an independent initiative of PNG Insight. We do this in our free time. And, want our readers to be part of it. Be part of our initiative for the benefit of our children.

Visit PNG Mathematics Exam Resources for Grades 8, 10 and 12 Teachers and Students.

We know revising for exam 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.

PNG Public Holidays, School Exams, Term Holidays and Cultural Shows 2024

The dates may change but here are the Public Holidays, School Exams, Term Holidays and Cultural Shows as seen in the past years. You may have to confirm the PNG public holiday dates when the National Gazette 2024 comes out. 

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

As for the Terms holiday, check out the Department of Education website or this post for the latest term holidays and examination dates.

For cultural shows and events in Papua New Guinea, please visit the organisers' website, and Facebook pages or contact them directly if you are planning a trip.

PNG Public Holidays, School Term Holidays and Cultural Show Dates

Public Holidays in PNG

• New Year's Day 1 January
• Good Friday 19 April
• Easter 21 April
• Queen's Birthday 10 June
• National Remembrance Day 23 July
• Repentance Day 26 August
• Independence Day 16 September
• Christmas Day 25 December
• Boxing Day December 26 December

Papua New Guinea School Holidays

Here are the term months and holidays to take note of. Refer to the Department of Education website or check this article for the latest updates on term dates and holidays

       School Holidays   Month      Duration

• Term 1 Holiday     April         1 week
• Term 2 Holiday  July          2 weeks
• Term 3 Holiday     Sep          1 week)
• Term 4 Holiday     Dec          Christmas Holiday

PNG National Examinations

The national examinations in Papua New Guinea fall in the following months:

EXAMINATION                                    MONTH

• Grade 10 Written Expression Exam   June
• Grade 12 Written Expression Exam   August
• Grade 10 Major Examinations           October
• Grade 12 Major Examinations           October
• Grade 8 Examination                         October

The school year ends early in December 2024

PNG Cultural Shows and Dates

        SHOWS & FESTIVALS                  MONTH

• Tumbuna Festival Tour                     May
• Mask Festival, East New Britain      July
• Crocodile Festival, Sepik Region     August
• Mount Hagen Festival/Show            August
• Kalam Festival, Simbai                    September
• Goroka Show                                   September
• Kutubu Kundu & Digaso Festival     September
• Morobe Show                                  October
• Huhu War Canoe Festival               October
• Kenu & Kundu Festival                    November
• Karimui Show                                   November

Public Holidays, School Exams, Term Holidays and Cultural Shows 2024

If you are planning to visit the cultural event in the provinces, check with the local tour operators and guide before booking your trips.

You can check the latest examination dates and school term dates at the PNG education department's website. The private school terms are different, so check with your local schools to confirm the dates. 

PNG School Exams Schedule for Grades 12, 10 and 8 - Approved

PNG National Examination 2019 Dates approved and released by the Department of Education on the 21st of November 2018. Note that the English Written Expression Exams will take place in the month of June and August for Grades 10 and 12 respectively.

Click here for the latest updates on PNG Examination Dates and Exam Timetable

PRESS RELEASE

The main School Exams for 2019 will take place in the month of October starting with Grade 10 School Exams (1-week duration), Grade 12 (1-week) and Grade 8 (4 days).

• Written Expression Exam (Grade 10 Lower Secondary School Certificate) 

          Thursday 6th June 2019

• Written Expression Exam (Grade 12 Upper Secondary School Certificate)

          Monday 5th August 2019

• Examination (Grade 10 Lower Secondary School Certificate)

          Monday 7th October – Friday 11th October 2019 (1Week only)

• Examination (Grade 12 Upper Secondary School Certificate)

          Monday 14th October – Friday 18th October 2019 (1week only)

• Examination (Grade 8 Certificate of Basic Education)

         Monday 21st October – Thursday 24th October 2019

The school year ends on Friday 13th of December 2019. 

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.”

Grade 12 National Examination Dates - Mobile Phones Banned During Examination Period and Other Exam Guides

August and September are the busiest months for Grade 12 students and their teachers. The students are revising for exams.

The teachers are conducting remedial lessons and school administrators are contemplating how many students they are likely to send to tertiary institutions. 

PNG Schools Exams in October 2023

Exams kickoff in October - see the exam dates here. The secondary schools who have been preparing their students all year long would be anticipating the exams. 

The schools having elections-related problems this year would be dreading the exams. One thing for sure is that the exams are coming and you've got about three weeks to prepare. 

The Grade 12 Examinations will take place over 5 days.

Ban mobile phones during exam periods

The education department, in recent years, had advised provincial education authorities and school administrators to ban mobile phones during exam periods. The advisory directives from the department include:

• Penalty for  exam cheating or assisting to cheat - non certification
• Teacher not allowed to view/access exam papers
• Mobile phones banned from exam rooms
• Principals and Deputy Principals must physically stay in school during the examination hours

Do you think PNG Govt and Education department should remove exams at Grade 8? Take a look at this article and let us know what you think.

Students Sitting National Examinations at Grades 8, 10 and 12 - Overall Increase of 4 percent 2015 to 2016

Here is a quick spreadsheet graph of the number of Grade 8, 10 and 12 students sitting for the national examinations in the country in 2015 and 2016.

In terms of percentage the number taking exams increased by the following percentages (rounded to the nearest whole number): 

• grade 8 increased by 3%, 
• grade 10 increased by 7% and 
• grade 12 increased by 6%. 

Overall there was an increase of over 4 % in the total number of students taking exams at grades 8, 10 and 12.

The graph shows figures released by the education department (and reported in print media) in 2015 and 2016.  

On the other hand, the numbers of students passing from grade 8 to 9, grade 10 to 11 and grade 12 to tertiary institutions have remained relatively low. In 2015, the retention at each stage was shocking and has not improved very much.

For more information on examinations and related issues, check the following links:

Examination 2016 – Grade 8, 10 and 12 Students taking exams

Examination 2015 – Grade 8, 10 and 12 Students taking exams

Examination 2014 – Grade 8, 10 and 12Students taking exams

Examinations 2015 - 2016: Grade 8, Grade 10, Grade 12 Exams Papua New Guinea

Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students in Papua New Guinea Access vs Retention

Grades 8, 10 and 12 students are on a long Christmas Holiday - three months of rest and respite. Some are heading back to the villages, others to towns and cities - but will there be opportunities in the Apprenticeship and Vocational Training sectors for Grades 8, 10 and 12 students in Papua New Guinea?

Whilst the Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students are enjoying their vocations, they are sure to ask two important questions: 

How have I performed in the national examinations?;  and 

Will I be selected to continue to the next level?

PNG Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students Performance in Examinations

The first question can only be ascertained by each student depending on how good they were leading up to the exams. 

Students' performance in exams can be attributed to several factors such as how well they prepared (were prepared) for the exams as well as Nature and Nurture. 

May the best students be given one of the limited places they rightfully deserve.

This brings me to the second question.

Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students Selections 2023

Based on the proportion of tertiary places available this year and the preceding years,  96% of Grades 8, 92% of Grade 10 and 81% of Grade 12 students will NOT make it to a tertiary institution this year. 

By this, I mean only a select few will end up in universities, colleges, vocational centres and other higher learning set-ups. 

Those fortunate enough to continue should be congratulated. 

They have earned the right to proceed. They passed exams - they can enjoy the privileges (pride) and challenges higher educational institutions bring. 

And deservedly, they should hold their heads up and be proud to continue.

High number of Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students pass out

What about the bulk of students who would not have continued? What will they do? 

It saddened me to think that in the first year of formal education, little or nothing is available to those students. 

What can be done now to take them on board the education train?

It is imperative to note that the planned phasing out of examinations at Grades 8 and 10 will NOT improve the number of students entering tertiary institutions. 

It will further decrease the university access rate (ACCESS), but only maintain the number passing through from Grades 8 to 10 to 12 (RETENTION). 

PNG Grades 8, 10 and 12 stats

In 2015, over 120, 000 grade 8 students sat exams. This number as a percentage of 4500 spaces (at tertiary institutions) is 96%. 

In fact, if the government phases out Grades 8 and 10 examinations, about 120,000 to 150,000 students are likely to end up completing Grade 12. 

The problem of retention is addressed, but the problem of access to higher education is not solved. It remains the same. 

Phasing out Grades 8, 10 and 12 Exams

Other factors needed thorough consideration before exams are phased out are the availability of resources, the number of teachers as well as primary and secondary schools' capacity to hold larger student populations. 

This exercise, if goes ahead, will put a huge strain on schools' ability to function.

It was good news to have heard that the Minister of higher education has given out cheques to several universities in the country to expand their capacities. This shows that there is likely to be an increase in spaces at tertiary institutions. 

But, what is the projection - what number are we talking about in 5 - 10 years' time? 

A mere 20,000 spaces would not be enough to suffice the appetite for higher education. 

Technical and vocational schools way forward

For the sake of reasoning,  if we put an estimate that in the next 5 years 150,000 grade 12 students will vie for a tertiary institution space. 

The spaces increased (from the current 4500) to 10, 000 (then to 20,000 in 2023. 

For it to work, the government needs to improve the university/higher education access rate to over 50% of Grade 12 graduating population. The fact now is that this change will make NO difference as far as access is concerned. 

Papua New Guinea will STILL have a Grade 12 drop-put rate of over 90% in the next 5 to 10 years with this change- the same as today! 

Still, there won't be enough university and college spaces to take in the high number of students. That is why there is a NEED to seriously increase the spaces are technical and vocational schools

Exams are the corner-stone of PNG education system

So the public statements about phasing out examination have to be backed by some foresight. By this, I do not mean make examinations history - no. 

The public examination system has to be strengthened - made rigorous. Address the problem of cheating. Empower Measurement Service Division. Or, come up with alternative measures to overhaul and make examination processes tough - challenging. 

The question of catering for those who are dropping out of the formal education system can be addressed by focussing on Internships, apprenticeship schemes and vocational training. 

Meanwhile, here is what I've posted nearly 10 years (2015) ago on the Key To Addressing Skill Shortage and Grades 8, 10 and 12 Pass-outs. 

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.