There is every indication that the Ministry of Education is adopting online courses as the education system. The first month of the third term, which is scheduled to resume on 10 January, will be exclusively in e-learning. Face-to-face or conventional classes may be held on February 2, but only for Grades 9, 9+, 11 and 13.
This was the gist of the press briefing by the Minister of Education, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, on Friday 10 January. She announced that this measure follows the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth’s decision on 09 December to extend the health restrictions until 15 January 2020. The online courses will cover all grades until 31 January.
The resumption of the online courses essentially started on 10 November. Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are offered on national television, i.e. on MBC channels. Grades 7, 8 and 9 take their courses on the student support platform and on the MBC channels and Grades 10, 11, 12 and 13 in Distance Learning on the internet.
Modular assessment postponed for end of April
In addition, Education and Learning Packs will be sent to teachers and parents for the primary level.
The Modular Assessments scheduled for the end of January for History, Geography and Science will not take place. They will be done at the same time at the end of April with the PSAC exams. She recalled that for this pandemic cause, the PSAC and NCE which are the examinations done at local level, the curricula have been lightened. For the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate examinations, she does not foresee any change. She also appealed to parents to make use of open communication with the schools and the relevant departments of the Ministry of Education.
The Minister accepts that this system is not ideal “but it is necessary for the interests and safety of the children”. She is counting on the participation of parents and teachers to continue their support and accompaniment of the pupils so that they remain applied.
The system will be maintained until 17 December for the second term. The presential for Grades 9, 9+, 11 and 13 scheduled for February 2 will depend on the pandemic situation.
