The Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Simai Mohamed Said has clarified that standard six pupils who will not attain required passing mark in the recently concluded national examinations will continue to standard seven after the government had reverted to the seven-year primary school education system suspended more than five years ago.
According to the ministry, a student who would score 40 marks and above in the national examinations will be selected to join form one while those with minimum points will continue with standard seven.
The Minister said the reversion to the seven-year primary education system starting next year, will prepare children better for secondary school education.
He said the government had reviewed the curriculum for nursery and primary school education and was considering reducing the number of subjects currently being taught.
The minister added after the completion of the curriculum review the ministry would train all nursery and primary school teachers to conform to the requirements.
“The government has decided to remove barriers in the education sector, I believe this reform will be supported by education stakeholders, including parents,” Simai told reporters.
He commended President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi for improving the education sector including construction of new schools on both islands to provide more educational opportunities to children.