THE Education Ministry has issued a directive to all schools to hold their final examination from Oct 30. One can’t help but wonder whether the ministry took into consideration the forthcoming Deepavali festival (on Oct 27) when it set the date.

With the examination just three days after Deepavali, one can’t help but wonder just how much of a celebration it will be for those students who observe the festival.

The strain of the examination will certainly affect the pupils, students, parents and teachers alike.

Another issue to consider is that after the examination, teachers have only 10 working days to complete their marking, prepare report cards or streaming and see to other necessary preparations to end the school year.

The Education Ministry should seriously look into the matter and address it promptly.

R.M. , Malacca

Source: NST – September 26, 2008