The Primary School Certificate (PSC) examinations will not be cancelled while it may be held based on shorter syllabus, said State Minister for Primary and Mass education MdZakir Hossainwhile addressing a virtual seminar on “Challenges in Primary Education and the way-out during the post-coronavirus crisis”, organised by Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB), on Monday.
“The decision to cancel the final examination of primary education has not been taken yet. The government has planned to make this examination more time-friendly (or oriented) and modern,” the state minister added.
He went on to say, “If it is not possible to open educational institution quickly, work is underway to create a short syllabus which is required to acquire necessary skills to step in the next class.”
The state minister also hinted at the possibility of extending the academic year till February if there is more delay in opening educational institutions.
However, the state minister has ruled out any possibility of reopening schools soon.
“Rumourshave been spread that educational institutions would be reopened after Eid-ul-Azha. There is no such conversation going on. The government has not yet taken any decision as to when theeducational institutions will be reopened”, he said adding that they are working on making a revised syllabus so that it could be taught once the educational institutions open in September or later.
He further added, “If necessary, the current academic year may be extended up to February and the next academic year may be reduced by two months.
The concerned authorities are contemplating such a plan. Again, if it is possible to open the educational institutions within September, the examination may be taken witha shorter syllabus in December.”
Akram-al-Hossain, senior secretary at the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said in this regard, “We are not thinking about exams now. We are mulling overthe evaluation process.”
Highlighting the ministry's initiative to involve students having no access to modern technology in educational activities, he said, “There are also many students living outside the coverage of technology. We don’t want to exclude them from the educational activities. That’s why we are broadcasting classes through Parliament Television. We will also broadcast the class on the radio. This way it will be possible to reach 96 percent of the students.”
Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) MdFasiullah said, “It is difficult to say when the schools will bereopened. The recommendations of UNICEF and World Health Organization will be followed to maintain hygiene at the educational institutions.”
