CTSU opposes AL students' compulsory attendance at Education Fair

The Ceylon Teachers Services Union (CTSU) has strongly objected to making it compulsory for GCE Advanced Level students to attend an Education Fair held in Kuliyapitiya, which ends today.

According to the Ministry of Education (MoE) circular, it has been made mandatory for students of National schools and their Teachers to participate in the Education Fair held at Kuliyapitiya MMV from October 3-7.

They had been advised to attend the Fair and familiarise with the Higher Education (HE) opportunities available in overseas HE institutes.

“The MoE is well aware of the need for Vocational and HE obligations for those who have competed their 13-year school career, and the involvement of allied State institutions in conducting Education programmes for NVQ opportunities in that field, while the MoE has initiated the students to get exposure in this HE Fair,” said CTSU President Mahinda Jayasinghe.

“Hence, it is deplorable to make the AL students and their Teachers in National schools to get exposure in 19 + Education Fair, at the expense of bursaries of School Development Boards, as per a circular issued by the Additional Secretary for School Affairs in the MoE, under your instructions”, Mr Jayasinghe said.

However, an MoE Spokesman said it was a good opportunity for the students to get an idea of future Educational prospects available.

He said they had instructed to get the participation of Over-19 students who had already sat the AL exam.

The Education Times learns that, as most AL students who sat the exam, do not come to school, some of the Principals had got the participation of 'other' AL students to attend the event.

- DW