The case for Sixth Form Certificate

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 23, 8 November 1983, Page 14

The case for Sixth Form Certificate

No doubt you know about the angry exchanges between the Minister of Education and secondary teachers about the University Entrance examination. Originally this examination was attempted by only a few pupils — most of whom intended going on to University. Today however, a much greater number and variety of pupils attend schools as sixth formers. Few (only 20%) of these end up at University. The most important and useful qualification gained by students in Form 6 is Sixth Form Certificate. This is rigourously controlled by the Education Department, it can be taken in a great variety of subjects, it recognises effort and determination, it has nine grades — but there is no failure point, unlike U.E. However, the great majority of Form 6 students still enter and sit the University Entrance examination. For many it is a most unsuitable exam — being too theoretical and too difficult. Then why do the pupils enter for it? Because employers, parents and m.any students think it will get them a good job. Why hasn't Sixth Form Certificate been more widely recognised as a worthwhile qualification? Because U.E. dominates the Sixth Form. Preparing students to qualify for and study at University fs still an important task for secpndary schools. This should be one

of the essential features of Form Seven and teachers believe that entrance to the university for most students should be based on the University Bursaries examination which is taken at the end of that year. This would immediately make Sixth Form Certificate much more important as it would become the leaving certificate for most of our senior students. When this happens you will find subjects like engineering, horticulture, computer science and home economics in Form 6. But at present fewwant to do any subject except typing that is fiot a UE subject. No wonder, therefore, as the year progresses, that we have more and more Sixth Formers dropping out — leaving, feeling they can't cope. Then finally we face the heartbreak of accrediting and the outside examination with about half of all our Sixth Formers branded as failures eyen though they have worked hard and have extended their skills and knowledge during the year. We know that many of the so-called failures are keen, hard-working students, who would make admirable employees. They have failed in an examination which is unsuitable for their needs or their talents. For all these reasons, Ruapehu College is keen to see Sixth Form Certificate •as the only award in Form Six, believing it to be a better award for our students. Statement by the Ruapehu College. branch of the P.P.T.A. (Post Primary Teachers Associatiofi)