This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, the Education Ministry announced that Grade Three pupils would sit national tests under the competency-based curriculum, sparking concerns about the system's effectiveness.
The new curriculum was meant to de-emphasize examinations, but the announcement has raised questions about the Ministry's intentions.
Having eight-year-olds sit an exam to determine their progress is unhealthy and undermines efforts to make education less burdensome.
The young minds are not prepared for a situation where they have to sit a test in a tightly controlled environment and then wait to be told whether they are good enough for Grade Four.
The announcement also seems to point to more exams in the new system than in the 8-4-4, with Grade Three pupils sitting another test to determine their suitability for high school and then another for higher education.
The Education Ministry needs to clarify why it seeks to examine Grade Three pupils and what form the tests will take.
Teachers need to be thoroughly trained on administering and grading the exams to avoid creating an intimidating environment.
The government owes the public an explanation on the justification for the exams and how they will be different from those under the 8-4-4.
