Under the Education Transformation Programme, the Ministry of Education has commenced implementation of a decision to review all components of the National Assessment Programme (NAP).

At the primary level, agreed changes are being instituted for the assessments at grades one, two, three and four and evaluation of aspects of the grade six test has now commenced.

"At the secondary level there is accord among all stakeholders on the need to revamp, consolidate and generally improve grade nine assessments," the ministry said in a release yesterday. "Indeed, many challenges have been faced with the administration of these examinations. Consequently, a timetable has been established to effect significant changes in time for the 2009-2010 school year."

Sit only English and Maths

The ministry said that, based on this resolve, a decision has been taken to discontinue the Junior High School Certificate Examination. With effect from 2008, therefore, grade nine students in primary and junior high schools will sit only the English and mathematics papers of the Grade Nine Achievement Test (GNAT). These two GNAT papers will also continue to be administered to grade nine students of all-age schools. The results of these tests will assist in determining the placement of all students from primary and junior high and all-age schools into secondary/ high schools.

A placement mechanism

For the years 2008 and 2009, the GNAT will, therefore, be used strictly as a placement mechanism for grade nine students who are exiting primary and junior high and all-age schools. In the interim, a review of the Reform of Secondary Education curriculum will be undertaken as the initial stage of establishing a meaningful national grade nine aptitude/achievement diagnosis/examination, for all students by the 2009-2010 school year.

For 2008, the GNAT will be administered in May.

The ministry said it would continue to evaluate and improve its programmes and to chart new pathways for the nation's young people.