The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has issued measures aimed at ending some schools’ practice of charging students for mandatory extra classes, and also of tailoring examination materials to favour those who take the extra courses.

The May 7 directive was issued after the ministry was made aware of complaints by several parents and guardians, who said they had difficulty meeting the expense of the extra classes. 

Complaints were reportedly received from the parents of students at both primary and high school grade levels.

According to the ministry’s statement, the extra classes also drew criticism as it was reported that the content taught in them was prominently featured in monthly and end of semester examinations.

“This has a detrimental effect on the students who do not take the extra classes, creating a major inequality gap between those families who can afford the extra classes and those who cannot,” it added.

To ban such negative activities at state-run schools, the ministry has ordered that teachers must adhere to the assignments set by the board of management at their school. This is to ensure equity in teaching and learning, and offer the same opportunities to all. 

In order to promote the quality of education, it instructed all public educational institutions to prepare and implement standard tests for all types of examinations

In addition, the ministry reminded all teachers of their obligation to adhere to their professional ethics.

“Public schools must also implement part-time programmes which allow students to increase the amount of self-guided study time available to them,” it added.

The ministry also urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to monitoring their children’s learning. It suggested that they encourage their children to practice self-study at home.