Computerization of placement of SS Students begins this year

Akim Oda, may 29, GNA - The Minister of Education and Sports, Mr Yaw Osafo said at the weekend that computerization of the school selection and placement system for Senior Secondary School (SSS) students will be implemented in September this year. He said already, a model programme has been developed and tried successfully.

Mr Osafo Marfo was addressing the 45th Speech and Price-Giving Day of the Oda Secondary School on Saturday, on the theme: "Human Resource Development, The Role Of Second Cycle Schools". He said the programme would safe parents and guardians the hurdles they go through during the placement of students.

Mr Osafo Marfo said reforms of second-cycle schools would be effected from 2007.

He said the academic calendar would be extended from three to four years and will serve as terminal point for formal employment or for one to gain admission into a tertiary school.

The Minister said the programme to upgrade some secondary schools into model schools was on-going, adding that work on the first phase involving 31 schools was at various levels of completion. He said the second phase, which involved 25 secondary schools has commenced.

The Headmaster, Mr David Afosah-Anim said last year, the school recorded 51.8 per cent passes in six or more subjects in the SSS Certificate Examination and 100 per cent passes in animal husbandry, food and nutrition, crop husbandry and horticulture, clothing and textiles.

Master Richard Obeng, School Prefect, appealed for an amicable solution to the grievances of the striking graduate teachers to enable them return to the classroom in order not to jeopardise the preparation of students to write their certificate exams.

He also called on the authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply on campus to facilitate learning at night.

Dr Baafour Agyeman Duah, Executive Director Centre for Democratic Development, who chaired the function, expressed the need for students to be disciplined to enhance their academic performance. Prizes were distributed to deserving students.