HRC calls for a more student-friendly Grade 5 Scholarship examination

Experts decry psychological pressure on young minds not sufficiently mature to withstand the inherent stress

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has called for proposals to effect changes to the Grade 5 Scholarship exam, following experts’ outcry that the exam imposed extra psychological pressure on children.

HRC Commissioner Dr Prathiba Mahanamahewa told Education Times that, at a discussion organised by the HRC, it was decided to make the exam student-friendly and less stressful.

Education Minister Bandula G u n aw a r d e n a , Exams Commissioner W. M. N. J. Pushpakumara, National Child P r o t e c t i o n Au t h o r i t y Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake and National Education Commission (NEC) Chairman Prof. Lakshman Jayathilake, along with 35 other senior officials representing concerned parties, participated in the discussion.

“The meeting was arranged after we analysed media reports and parents’ applications to the HRC regarding the release of Scholarship exam marks on International Children’s Day,” Dr Mahanamahewa said.

He said they focused on two important factors. “One was about the day the marks were released, and the other, was the manner in which the exam is being conducted.”

Dr Mahanamahewa explained that most of the officials present said that International Children’s Day was not a suitable day to release marks of a national exam.

“They pointed out that this day was for children to freely celebrate their rights, while in other countries it was a holiday. Hence, releasing marks on this day adversely affected the children,” he said.

The Ministry of Education claimed that this day was chosen to get everyone’s attention.

“Also, the methodology in the exam’s conduct is problematic. NEC Chairman said that, in the past, this has caused children to be pressurised from Grade 3. He also said that their knowledge cannot be assessed at Grade 5, as they are still very young,” the Commissioner added.

Prof. Jayathilake suggested the exam be held in Grade 7 or 8, when the students are more mature.

The Education Ministry explained that, under the 1,000 schools project, schools in every area will be developed, with easy access from 5,000 sister schools.

“We have informed all parties present, to submit their proposals to the HRC, taking into account a draft prepared to alter the Grade 5 Scholarship exam,” Dr Mahanamahewa said.

The moves come in the wake of President Mahinda Rajapaksa also calling for a system to give due recognition to students who pass the exam, by issuing them a certificate. Addressing a public function, the President said that some of the students believe they have failed the exam, if they do not obtain the cutoff marks to be selected to a better school.

Meanwhile, a series of incidents where children were illt reated for failing the Scholarship exam, were reported from around the country. (See page 2 for related story)

– Aanya Wipulasena.