Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) education system is undergoing a major transformation, with the government planning to remove Grade 8 and Grade 10 exams as selection filters. While this policy aims to increase inclusivity, it has sparked heated debates among educators, policymakers, and parents. The question remains: Will removing exams in Papua New Guinea improve education, or will it weaken academic standards?
Papua New Guinea’s education system is at a crossroads. While the government’s plan aims to increase inclusivity, removing exams without clear alternatives could weaken education quality. A balanced approach—where exams remain but are complemented by continuous assessments—may be the best way forward.
What do you think—should PNG remove exams entirely, or should they remain a key part of student assessment?
The Government’s Perspective: Why Remove Exams?
The Marape-Rosso government, through the Education Ministry, argues that eliminating exams will:
- Ensure all students progress through secondary education without being filtered out.
- Reduce dropout rates, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities.
- Align with the National Education Plan 2020-2029, which promotes universal education. (Read this PNG Insight article in 2023.)
- Introduce internal assessments to track student progress instead of high-stakes exams.
Education Minister Hon. Luca Dawa Dekena clarified that exams will still be conducted, but will not be used for selection into Grades 9 and 11. Instead, students will automatically progress, regardless of their exam performance.
This government’s action renders examinations at Grade 8 and Grade 10 useless – it simply defeats the whole purpose of the exams (it can’t be made any clearer than that!). And removal of examination is happening this year at the Grade 8 level across the country, can you believe it?
The Importance of Exams in Education
Globally, exams serve as critical benchmarks for student progression. Research highlights several key benefits:
1. Standardised Assessment
- Exams provide a fair and objective measure of student performance.
- Countries like Germany, Japan, and the UK rely on exams for university admissions.
2. Motivation & Learning Retention
- Studies show that testing improves long-term memory and critical thinking.
- Exams encourage students to develop discipline and study habits.
3. Quality Control in Education
- Exams help monitor school performance and identify gaps in learning.
- Without exams, teachers may struggle to assess student abilities effectively.
Concerns About Removing Exams in Papua New Guinea
While the government’s plan aims to increase access, critics argue that removing exams without proper alternatives could lead to serious challenges:
1. Declining Education Standards
- Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas warned that removing exams could lower academic quality.
- Without exams, students may lack the motivation to excel.
2. Overcrowding & Infrastructure Issues
- Schools may struggle to accommodate larger student numbers.
- Budget constraints could delay necessary infrastructure upgrades.
3. Teacher Shortages & Workload
- PNG already faces teacher shortages.
- Without exams, teachers may struggle to assess student progress effectively.
4. Unclear Policy Direction
- The Education Department initially hinted at replacing exams with internal assessments.
- Later, the Education Minister stated exams would remain but not be used for selection.
- This policy inconsistency has caused confusion among educators and parents.
Rebuttal: Why Exams Should Remain a Key Part of PNG’s Education System
While universal education is a noble goal, removing exams without a structured alternative could harm students in the long run. Instead of eliminating exams, PNG should:
- Improve internal assessments while keeping exams as a benchmark.
- Invest in teacher training to ensure quality education.
- Expand school infrastructure to accommodate growing student numbers.
- Develop technical and vocational pathways for students who may not excel academically (an integral part of inclusive education).
Eliminating Grade 8 and Grade 10 exams could be a decision PNG regrets in the long run. Exams serve as academic benchmarks, ensuring students are equipped with knowledge before progressing. Without them, education standards may decline, leading to underprepared students entering higher grades and struggling later in life.
The Marape-Rosso government must rethink this reform, as it is a generational shift that could take years to reverse if its consequences prove damaging. PNG’s children deserve an education system that balances inclusivity with quality, not one that risks long-term developmental setbacks. Without structured assessments, students may lack motivation and struggle in university or employment, ultimately affecting the nation’s workforce, economy, and global competitiveness. Thoughtful planning is not only essential now, but necessary.
A Balanced Approach Needed
Papua New Guinea’s education system is at a crossroads. While the government’s plan aims to increase inclusivity, removing exams without clear alternatives could weaken education quality. A balanced approach—where exams remain but are complemented by continuous assessments—may be the best way forward.
The government must clarify its policy, invest in infrastructure, and ensure teachers are equipped to handle the changes. Otherwise, PNG risks creating an education system that prioritises access over quality.
What do you think—should PNG remove exams entirely, or should they remain a key part of student assessment?
