Many are those students in Grade 13, both from private and state colleges, who are showing interest in competing in the Higher School Certificate examinations in June. However, not all students will be able to take part in the exams for all their subjects.
The Cambridge School Certificate and Higher School Certificate examinations, originally scheduled for June, have been postponed to November. But Education Minister, Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun had announced that these decisions do not preclude those students who feel they are ready from competing in the Cambridge exams to be held in April-June. However, they will have to do so privately.
But this choice comes with a whole series of complications, namely the following subjects : Art and Design, Design and Technology, Home-Economics and Fashion and Design are not on the list of subjects commonly known as ‘Main’ while French does not appear as a ‘Sub’ subject on the list. Students, who have chosen these subjects, will only be able to opt for the exams in November, even if they are already prepared. Moreover, the Minister had also announced on 31 January that “the government will offer subsidies but only for one Sitting“. Thus, an eligible student, who wants to take the HSC exams in June and November, will have to pay the full S for the second sitting. Then, there is also the fact that the “Laureate Scheme will apply in November, following negotiations with the University of Cambridge“, the Minister explained.
The question of educators, parents and especially students remains, is it wise to risk competing in the HSC exams in June with these limitations?
