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Oral test for GCE O/L English exam

31 January 2012 02:42 pm - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Education Ministry has decided to introduce an oral test for the English language at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination from next year, Minister Bandula Gunawardane said today.

Minister Gunwardane told a news conference that ten marks would be given to students at this test to be introduced after a pilot project.

“We will have a pilot project next year. Depending on the success of the project, we will make it compulsory for all students sitting the exam, “he said.
Emphasising the importance of learning other foreign languages such as Korean and French, he said that the education policy had been redesigned to create persons with capacity to cope with challenges posed by globalisation.

“Today, we have seen tough competition among youth to sit the Korean language examination. They had to sit the exam amid police protection. Past pupils of Maliyadeva Vidyalaya, Kurunagale have arranged facilities to teach French to students at their schools.  They have found teachers for them. As a result, students from Maliyadewa Vidyalaya account for the highest intake for language studies at the Kelaniya University,” he said.

The Minister said that the government would start the modernisation of 1,000 secondary schools on February 4, 2012 to coincidence with Independence Day and the Deyata Kirula event.

“This year, we have not admitted children to Grade One classes at 333 schools selected to be modernised as secondary schools. Initially, these schools will be developed. Each selected school will be given physical and human resources to teach English Language, Information Technology, Science, Mathematics and Aesthetic Subjects,” he said adding that there will be improved facilities for sports activities.  (Kelum Bandara)


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  Comments - 14

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  • Sarath Tuesday, 31 January 2012 05:17 PM

    May god bless the children of this country!

    Mifras Wednesday, 01 February 2012 05:50 AM

    First protect current education system....

    Adrian Wednesday, 01 February 2012 06:10 AM

    What a Joker he is??? He should have an oral test to see how many politicos would fail this??

    usj1976 Wednesday, 01 February 2012 06:28 AM

    Good move, I like this, we should improve our oral skills as well writting skill

    Calistus Jayatilleke Wednesday, 01 February 2012 07:04 AM

    Of course yes: if a student wants to pass the subject of English, he/she should have the ability to speak at least a few words in English.

    Just Another Citizen Wednesday, 01 February 2012 07:38 AM

    The standard of English in local schools are quite bad. The standards need to be improved first before they can have exams of this sort. Moreover the education system needs a overhaul to begin with, starting from the top.

    Coco-in-the-bag Wednesday, 01 February 2012 08:05 AM

    Will this oral test be carried out by a dentist ?
    I will not put it past you, given your past antics.
    Before the oral test is made a rule, you should be sure that the so called English teachers could speak English and that the school curriculum provides for training students in English speech.
    You are a nut, coconut !

    hassa Wednesday, 01 February 2012 08:38 AM

    Teachers who teach subjects in English do not know English. First teach them English, Mr.Minister, and you too can learn thereafter.

    jamaldeen Wednesday, 01 February 2012 08:59 AM

    Who will be the Judge? The Education Ministry??????

    gajan99 Wednesday, 01 February 2012 09:01 AM

    It's ok. Good that I do not have to sit for O/L exams.

    sundram2004 Wednesday, 01 February 2012 12:55 PM

    why korean? Chinese or Japanese more appropriate

    xlntgson Wednesday, 01 February 2012 03:36 PM

    What would be the standard, British or American?

    Jayan Thursday, 02 February 2012 03:34 AM

    Minister Bandula Gunawardena himself should sit for this exam and show us how you fair.

    Jayan Thursday, 02 February 2012 03:39 AM

    This idiot messed up the whole education system. Now what he is up to is to forget the Z score matter and divert people's attention else where. Consider yourself for the pilot project.


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