MESC OVERHAULS COLLEGE SYSTEM
By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Subject to Parliament’s approval, Year 11 (or Lower 5) in Colleges will be dissolved.
And the proposed changes tabled by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture is part of a reforms to overhaul the present system to ensure that students are afforded every opportunity to realize their full potentials either in academic or even vocational courses.
For instance, the new process will see the Samoa School Certificate (SSC) exams for Year 12 will be compulsory for all Year 10 Students.
This according to the MESC Minister Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio will provide educators an early indication of their strength either in Academics or in Vocational or trade courses.
“There are no assessment for College students from Year 9 until Year 12 when they take the SSC exam,” explained Loau. However the new system will benefit both the student and educators in determining their future career paths.
“Studies showed that students who decide upon a major in their first year at college have higher chances of actually graduating than those who have yet to define a career path.
“And that is without a doubt.
“These college students will be focused on achieving a specific goal they’ve set out to achieve. They will also have a clear and defined pathway – in terms of subjects to take – to achieve that degree or diploma.”
