Public schools lag behind as private admissions close early; Year 8 exams raise concerns
RAWALPINDI:
All government and private schools in Rawalpindi division have reopened after an extended break of 21 days, thereby restoring activity of previously slowed educational institutions.
On Wednesday, public schools announced the expected results of the annual exams for classes ranging from early childhood (pre-primary) to grade 7. All students were declared successful and promoted to the next classes.
Admissions to public schools have also started, although a month late this year, raising concerns that enrollment targets will not be met.
In contrast, private schools began their admissions process in February and have largely seen new enrollments, while public institutions are expected to see significantly lower admissions.
Successful students were asked to return textbooks from their previous courses. The authorities have ordered that all students submit these books today (Thursday), after which they will receive materials for the new school year.
Due to current economic constraints, recycled textbooks will be redistributed to students.
The announcement of the results saw pupils arriving at schools with their parents, many dressed for the occasion. While some institutions awarded first, second, and third place prizes, most limited procedures to a general declaration of “all passed” and promoted students without formal ceremonies, reflecting the incomplete nature of the exams.
This year, however, Grade 8 board exams were held, although their results remain pending and are expected between April 8 and 10.
Only four subjects – Urdu, English, mathematics and science – were examined by the board, with the rest of the subjects written in a limited capacity by individual schools.
Marking for board exams would be strict, with a high failure rate expected.
According to sources in the Punjab Educational Training and Testing Authority (PECTA), a significant proportion of candidates are likely to fail.
Teachers’ organizations have warned that excessive rigor in grading could lead to increased dropout rates, particularly among middle school students. They warned that 60 to 70 percent of girls failing at this level could drop out.
Rana Liaquat, central general secretary of the Punjab Teachers’ Union, has criticized the reintroduction of the Grade 8 board exam, describing it as a faulty policy previously abandoned after failing twice.
He noted that the current system only applies to public school students, excluding the private sector, thus turning government institutions into a testing ground. Negative repercussions, he says, are already being felt. He further pointed out that out of 38,000 government schools in Punjab, around 125,000 teaching posts remain vacant, with no regular recruitment since 2018. Around 14,000 schools have already been privatized, and another 4,500 are reportedly in the process of being transferred to the private sector.
