State Minister for secondary and Higher Education Dr. Mathias Harebamungu talks to students as they prepare for national exams
The number of A’ level students who registered to sit for this year’s national examinations has increased by 6.2 percent, statistics from Rwanda Education Board (REB) indicates.
According to 2012 Examinations data from REB, 33,699 students registered to sit for this year’s A’ Level examinations, from 31,734 in 2011.
The registration of the 2012 candidates for Primary, Ordinary and Advanced levels was completed in May.
The number of schools with registered candidates this year increased to 29,325 from 24,079 last year and the number of examination centres has increased from 119 last year to 145 this year.
The data also indicate that the number of students who registered to sit for ‘O’ Level National examinations has increased by 5.3 per cent.
Last year, 80,093 students registered for the examinations and this year 84, 321 students are the ones who have been registered.
According to REB, there were 355 examinations centres for ‘O’ Level last year but they have now increased to 375.
176,884 students have registered to sit for Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) this year compared to 167,386 last year.
Currently there are 692 examinations centres countrywide for primary schools and according to REB, Science practical candidates who have registered to sit for this year’s national examination are 14,883, compared to 12,165 last year.
The Director General of REB, Dr John Rutayisire said: “The increase in the registered candidates for the national examinations in their respective levels is due to the government effort in increasing access to 9 and 12 Year basic education through the construction of more schools and classrooms since 2008.”
He stated that the school environment has been made more conducive now with more textbooks, qualified teachers and more trained head teachers in school leadership.
The official added that improvement in cleanliness and nutrition at schools has played a key role in enabling students to enjoy school, stay in school than ever before and develop interest in what they are being taught at their respective schools. “This has been another factor which has helped to increase the number of candidate students this year.”
According to the REB calendar, national examinations are slated to commence on November 14.