Thiruvananthapuram: The practical examinations of higher secondary plus-two and vocational higher secondary courses have been scheduled from February to March next year. Soon after the timetable of these exams was announced, teachers dubbed holding the practicals at that time as impractical as only half of the portions prescribed for the 2021-22 academic year have been taught till now.
The portions of the plus-two and vocational higher secondary courses wouldn’t be completed before the exam, teachers said.
As per the exam, the schedule announced the other day plus-two practical exams would be held from 21 February to 15 March and those of the vocational higher secondary courses from 15 February to 15 March. Meanwhile, the model exams would begin from 16 March onwards. Practical classes haven’t started in most schools as the theory portions are yet to be completed.
The plus-one improvement exam too has been scheduled from 31 January to 4 February. Besides, the students have to be given holidays for a few days to prepare for these exams.
Even though the focus areas for the exams have been decided, the teachers still have to teach the entire portions to make the students ready for various entrance exams. Meanwhile, they wonder how to conduct practical classes amid these tight schedules.
Teachers suggest it is better to conduct the practical exams after the public exams get over in April.
Why the delay
Teachers and parents have complained that the mandatory portions could not be completed so far since classes are being conducted only three days a week. Classes are held in batches or shifts to follow guidelines on precaution against COVID-19. The major challenge before the government is to complete the portions of Class 10 and 12 students before mid-February ahead of the public exams.
Teachers haven’t been able to cover even half of the lessons of higher secondary classes and the second-year vocational higher secondary courses so far this academic year. However, more than 75% of the lessons of class 10 has been completed. Earlier this year, plus-two students lost almost a month of classes after the plus-one examinations got delayed due to the curbs over the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, the Kerala government announced the dates of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination, Vocational Higher Secondary Examination and Higher Secondary Examination. They are set to commence late in March and will finish nearly a month later.