Brenda Thanacoody, former director of the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES), has expressed concerns over the decision to cancel certain exams for the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) due to recent unrest. While prioritizing student safety, she questions whether all affected exams needed to be cancelled. The Education Minister made the decision following recent riots, but Thanacoody suggests alternative solutions could have been explored.
Thanacoody notes that Cambridge, the examining body, is generally hesitant to reschedule exams, especially within a short timeframe. She explains that Cambridge's international exams involve multiple countries and have a complex marking process, making it challenging to prepare new papers. However, she wonders if Cambridge has contingency plans in place, as they do for local exams like the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC) and National Certificate of Education (NCE).
In 2021, torrential rains led to exam cancellations, and Thanacoody had informed Cambridge, which proposed using assessed marks. However, some exams, such as Hindi Literature and Design and Technology, were rescheduled. She highlights that Cambridge typically only accepts rescheduling in rare cases. Thanacoody suggests that, given the circumstances, HSC exams could have been held at a later time, ensuring student safety while allowing them to take the exams.
The MES had begun negotiations with Cambridge before cancelling the exams, indicating that they knew Cambridge would not reschedule. Thanacoody proposes that, with police cooperation and phone assistance, exams could have been held safely. In 2023, during torrential rains, exams began at 9 am instead of 8 am, with Cambridge's agreement, and this solution worked well.
Thanacoody also raises concerns about students competing for scholarships, who may be disadvantaged by relying on assessed marks. She questions whether students who performed well in cancelled exams would be placed on an equal footing with those who excelled in other subjects. This could lead to disputes, and she suggests finding a solution to address this issue.
The decision to cancel exams has sparked debate, with some arguing that student safety should be the top priority. Others suggest that alternative solutions, such as rescheduling or using contingency plans, could have been explored. Thanacoody's comments highlight the complexities of exam scheduling and the need for careful consideration in such situations.
The Mauritius government will need to consider the implications of the exam cancellations and potential solutions for students competing for scholarships. The MES and Cambridge will likely need to work together to find a resolution that balances student safety with the need for fair and reliable assessments.
Key points
- Brenda Thanacoody questions the decision to cancel all HSC and SC exams due to recent unrest in Mauritius.
- Thanacoody suggests that alternative solutions, such as rescheduling exams, could have been explored.
- The cancellation of exams may disadvantage students competing for scholarships who rely on assessed marks.
