Colombo (LNW): The Education Ministry has announced a reduction in school grades from 13 to 12 as part of new educational reforms, Minister Susil Premajayantha revealed.
Presenting the progress for 2023 and plans for 2024 during the Ministry of Education’s budget presentation, it was revealed that the reforms aim to provide every child with the opportunity to complete school in 17 years.
Under the proposed changes, the age classification for education includes 4 years for pre-school, Grades 1-5 for the primary section, Grades 6-8 for the junior section, and Grades 9 to 12 for the senior section.
The Ministry of Education plans to allocate a percentage of marks for the Grade 5 scholarship exam from school-based evaluations and exams, with a proposal to simplify the exam and eliminate competition.
Additionally, the reforms include the introduction of general level examinations in Grade 10 and advanced level examinations in Grade 12.
The number of subjects for O/L exams will be reduced from 9 to 7, focusing on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technical and Professional Skills, and Religion and Values.
Officials highlighted that over 80,000 students fail the Ordinary Level examination annually and assured that no child would fail under the new reforms. All students passing the Ordinary Level exam will have the opportunity to pursue vocational training courses.
A-level subjects will be categorised into academic and vocational education, providing a path for each student to obtain a degree. The Ministry of Education added two new subjects to academic studies, increasing the total from 6 to 8.
Additionally, 10 subject areas under practical studies will offer opportunities for children to obtain degrees in vocational fields.
