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SSSTU suggests hybrid assessment model, with reintroduction of Alternative to Practical paper
From this year, exams for science subjects, including biology, chemistry and physics, at School Certificate (SC) level, have a practical component. It has been 40 years since there have been practical exams at this level. Last year, the State Secondary School Teachers Union (SSSTU) had already sounded the alarm about the absence of Guidelines for teachers, as well as shortcomings in infrastructure. With the situation still critical, the union is calling for a hybrid model for next October’s exams. Either, those who are ready for practice can take this test, and maintain the Alternative to Practical paper for others.
The SSSTU made this suggestion after an observation in different state colleges. On the one hand, in several establishments, the laboratories are not well equipped. On the other hand, in some others, arrangements have not been made according to the Time-Tables to allow educators to complete the syllabus and engage in practical classes at the same time. To make matters worse, certain products necessary for these classes are not available.
The union reacts after a meeting with the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES). It has therefore been clarified that the reintroduction of practical examinations for science subjects at School Certificate level is not a requirement of Cambridge International Examinations. This would be a decision by the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, who believed that this component was important for students.
This is what the SSSTU indicates in a correspondence addressed to the current minister, Mahend Gungapersad. “During the meeting of March 27, it was noted that the shift to an exclusive practical examination was a policy decision”, it is mentioned. High-Level Technical Officers present maintained that they were not aware of the procedures behind this decision. Furthermore, teachers were not consulted even though they know the reality on the ground.
The union specifies that it recognizes the educational value of practical exams, except that School Readiness was not evaluated before implementation. Constraints in terms of time and resources are mentioned. Likewise, there is “an increased lack of training assistants.” “laboratories”. Teachers are reduced to doing everything themselves, which does not allow practical sessions to be organized in good conditions.
For this reason, the SSSTU is calling on the Minister of Education to consider the reintroduction of the Alternative to Practical paper. Over the last 40 years, all candidates who opted for science subjects in the School Certificate took this paper. The union also mentions that during the meeting with MES executives, it was said that it is not too late to consider this possibility.
Recognizing that over the past year there are students who have worked on their practices, the union suggests that there be a hybrid mode for the next exams in October 2026. Either, those who feel ready for practice take this option, and the reintroduction of the Alternative to Practical paper for students others. For this, a ministerial decision is required, validated by the Council of Ministers. The union underlines the urgency of such an approach given that the second quarter will begin in two weeks.
The SSSTU also draws the ministry’s attention to the fact that important items in the SC and HSC 2026 syllabi are unavailable in laboratories, including in academies. “Despite significant disbursements for procurement in millions of rupees, schools report acute shortages of essential reagents, including Hydrochloric Acid, Nichrome wire, Thymolphthalein, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Qualitative Benedict’s Solution. “It is also specified that on several occasions PTAs had to intervene to finance the purchase of these products.
The letter also mentions a red list of “ledgers” which have not been updated for more than 12 years and this situation affects the monitoring mechanism. “The blame should not be placed on the Heads of Departments, subject to transfers.” adequate and an audit to ensure that these “ledgers” meet standards, is also underlined.
The union is calling for an evaluation of all laboratories in state colleges. “Some, like DMC and AHGMI SSS, are outdated. There aren’t even stools and you have to take chairs in classes, which is very uncomfortable. “In this context, reintroducing the Alternative to Practical model also includes a dimension of equity for all students, especially repeaters, who did not have practical classes at all last year.
In addition, certain infrastructures even turn out to be dangerous for both students and educators. An incident that occurred recently at the Royal College of Port-Louis, where the floor sank and a teacher was injured, is cited as an example. “We are calling for a comprehensive national audit of all school laboratories to assess infrastructure and safety standards. HAS”
Finally, the union asks the ministry to ensure that rectors make appropriate Time Tables for scientific subjects. Likewise, the recruitment of laboratory assistants is strongly recommended.
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