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New Rules for Grade 12 Admission, Only 3 Credits Required

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New Rules for Grade 12 Admission, Only 3 Credits Required
Image source: Defi Media

In a significant shift in educational policy, the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) is set to unveil the 2024 School Certificate (SC) pass rate on Friday, January 17. This year’s changes will allow students with only three credits, down from the previous requirement of five, to advance to Grade 12.

Additionally, for repeat students, possessing two credits or having received a grade C in two subjects, along with a pass in English, will enable them to be promoted under special conditions, provided they are not overage.

Tertiary Education Minister, Dr. Kaviraj Sukon, held a meeting with public university directors on Thursday, January 16, underscoring the government’s focus on maximizing opportunities for Mauritian children.

Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, the Minister of Education, has assured his commitment to keeping students engaged in the education system.

“We want to give the maximum chance to Mauritian children. Their place is in school. If we do nothing, they will fall out of the system, which is not what we want,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Défi Quotidien.

The decision has been positively received across the educational sector.

Yogesswarnath Sanmukhiya, Rector-Manager of the Modern College, noted that this change is beneficial for late developers.

Similarly, Didier Moutou, the rector of Bhujoharry College, emphasized the need for support, saying:

“Many students face difficulties at home, affecting their education. We must guide them and encourage them to move forward.”

Moutou also highlighted the philosophy that a child’s place is in school, not on the streets, stating:

“While we expect effort from the students, having only two credits complicates their options, but we will do our utmost to assist them.”

Harrish Reedoy, President of the United Deputy Rectors and Rectors Union (UDRRU), remarked that reducing the requirement from five to three credits expands access to higher secondary education for a greater number of students, thereby decreasing the dropout rate.

He shared that in 2024, the union had requested that students with four credits be allowed to move to Grade 12 but did not receive a response.

While the relaxation of criteria allowed some students to advance, Reedoy cautioned that having only two credits limits students’ future choices.

He emphasized the responsibility of school leaders to guide students through their available options, stating that a clearer picture of the number of students moving to Grade 12 should emerge this year.

Girish Ramsahye, the manager of Eden College Boys in Rose-Hill, welcomed the government’s decision, recalling that such admissions practices were common in the past.

The MES reported that in 2024, a total of 14,886 candidates, comprising 7,949 girls and 6,937 boys, sat for the SC exams, with results released online via Cambridge International Education on Thursday, January 16.

In 2023, the overall success rate was 73.71% for the country.

This year’s adjustments to the promotion criteria signify a pivotal moment for the Mauritian education system, aimed at accommodating and supporting all students, ensuring they have the best possible chance for academic success and continued education.

Focus on Inclusion and Opportunities

As the new academic year approaches, the updated admission criteria for Grade 12 have sparked positive reactions among educators and students alike.

Previously, students who did not meet the five-credit threshold were often forced to either pursue alternative pathways or enter the job market.

However, with the introduction of the new policy allowing students to advance with just three credits, many see this as an opportunity for continued academic growth, rather than a lowering of standards.

Girish Ramsahye, manager of Eden College Boys in Rose-Hill, emphasized the importance of acknowledging a diverse range of students.

“There are high achievers who will excel and go to prestigious universities, but we must also support others. Many students with three credits can also thrive and pursue higher education,” he stated.

Notably, among the 62 students at Eden College this year, 22 managed to secure three credits.

Shannone Zacharie, a resident of Borstal in Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest, expressed her gratitude for the new policy.

A second-time SC exam candidate from Bhujoharry College in La-Tour Kœnig, she achieved four credits, matching her performance from the previous year.

“Being able to move to Grade 12 this year with four credits is a fantastic opportunity. This chance allows us to envision a broader future academically.

After my studies, I aspire to pursue journalism because I love reading and listening to people’s stories,” she said.

Similarly, Benji Lejuste, a 19-year-old student from Roche-Bois, shared his relief at the revised criteria. Having also placed fourth in his previous attempt, he was disheartened when he did not advance due to last year’s higher credit requirement.

The new guidelines, however, have given him renewed hope. “This change allows me to move forward.

I wish that the Ministry of Education would listen to us. We have a lot to say about our needs and improvements for the education system,” he emphasized, representing the voices of many students advocating for positive change in education.

The Ministry of Higher Education is actively addressing the inclusion of students with three credits in their plans for secondary education.

“With the introduction of the three-credit requirement, we are evaluating new admission criteria.

Our goal is to ensure these students have access to higher education while aligning with the government’s vision of fostering equal opportunities for all,” Sukon stated.

During the meeting, the minister called for universities and training institutions to reassess their admission standards to promote a more inclusive education system.

“We want all public and private universities to work together. Some institutions have resources that others lack, and we will coordinate efforts for the benefit of all.

We will also review entry requirements and the academic calendar,” he explained.

Additionally, the internationalization of higher education was discussed, with the ministry working through various committees to develop a unique identity for Mauritian higher education.

The minister assured that both public and private universities would be involved in this initiative.

“I will soon meet with private institutions to discuss these matters,” he added.

Finally, Sukon underscored the importance of flexibility within universities.

Each institution must adapt its course offerings to meet the evolving needs of students. “Every university has the flexibility to assess what new courses are necessary for their students.

It is vital to introduce new offerings while also maintaining existing programs that may still benefit students,” he concluded.

This ongoing dialogue signifies a foundational shift towards an inclusive educational landscape in Mauritius, giving students the chance to continue their academic journeys and achieve their aspirations.

Source: Defi Media

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