Dear Editor,
With reference to the editor’s note to my letter (‘Placement system in senior secondary schools could be improved’ SN, July 24) it must not be assumed that just because the substantial part of the examination is multiple choice makes it factual, and seemingly simple (by your implication). There are professional examinations like the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam Level 1, which is multiple choice, and is very difficult to pass. According to internet reports, just 35% of all who took the exams in June 2008, passed. Almost every informed parent agrees that the curriculum is too wide, and it reflects in the profile of those who do excel in the exam, as I have noted.
Second, I am not so naïve as not to know that government secondary schools are free, ie, no tuition is paid. My point is that some schools are definitely more equipped than some, and so it would be good if children from all over the country had an equal chance of gaining a place in these schools.
I am more than happy to learn that the declared intention is to phase out selection and streaming – the sooner the better maybe, once we ensure that all secondary schools have near equitable resources. With the country’s scarce resources we can take a long time to reach this position.
Yours faithfully,
Joycelyn Williams
