Ceylon Today Editorial

ONLY WAY FOR RURAL CHILDREN TO ENTER POPULAR SCHOOLS

18 October 2016

A few weeks back, the results of one of the most competitive examinations faced by children, Grade Five scholarship was released. With the release of the results multiple opinions were expressed on the examination, most of which claim for reforms.

It was reported recently that the Education Ministry had appointed a committee to look into the matter and come up with recommendations. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam had said that there were many reform proposals which will be carefully evaluated by the committee.

The Grade Five scholarship is important for students for two major reasons. The most important reason is the opportunity it provides to enter a so called popular school. The other is the allowance received by the students who pass the scholarship examination. Whilst the allowance provided to student is important, particularly for those who come from low income families, the competition of passing the examination is for enrolling in a popular school.

In a way, the competition of the Grade Five scholarship examination reflects the disparity amongst the schools in Sri Lanka. Over the years, the human and physical resources are centred on a selected set of schools which belong to the category of popular schools. As a result of that the dream of an average parent is to enroll their child in such a school.

However, these popular schools are not merely about the human or physical resources such schools have. It is about the glory of attending such a popular school which later becomes a pass to enter many avenues. So often, we come across instances where the people are judged based on the school they have attended. Sometimes, the school you attend may be a qualification to obtain employment. In that context, parents were forced by the system to enroll their child in such a popular school. Those who are old boys or old girls of such schools would enroll their child in such schools easily. So do the politicians. That makes the scholarship the only option for average middle class parents to enroll their child in one of the popular schools.

In that context, reform of Grade Five scholarship goes way deeper than the scholarship examination. In fact, it is a part of the social problem which needs attention. It is clear that the Grade Five scholarship had made little children stressful at a very young age. The time they could have spent in playing cricket, they have to attend tuition class. That makes a terrible childhood for children who do not have much freedom. Therefore, reforms for scholarship are a must, but the way in which such reforms are brought is very crucial.

Whatever the reforms introduced to the Grade Five scholarship examination should go hand in hand with the education reforms. Therefore, the Grade Five scholarship reforms should be a part of the education reforms instead of being an isolated process. Therefore, the major focus of the government should be reforming the education sector.

On top of that there are simple changes that the government can introduce in reducing the pressure of students sitting for the scholarship examination. This year, the maximum pass mark was 160 out of 200 while the pass mark of 95% of the districts was still above 150, as the pass marks differ according to the district. If a student fails even after obtaining 150 out of 200, that means a student who obtains 75 in average per paper is still considered as failed student. That appears to be ridiculous. While the cutoff marks for schools can be retained till the reforms are introduced, the efforts of the students should be acknowledged. Students who obtain sufficient marks should be given a certificate acknowledging their success. It should be a passable pass mark that will motivate students instead of demotivating them.