The School Education department in the district has recognised six additional higher secondary schools as Centres for conduct of plus two practical examinations slated for commencement on February 4.
Of them, four are in the Tiruchi educational district, one in Musiri educational district, and one in Lalgudi educational district. They comprise Government Higher Secondary School, Arasunilaipalayam, near Manapparai; Government Girls’ HSS, Manapparai; St. Patricks HSS, Alandur, St. Joseph’s HSS, Somarasanpettai; Kallagam Government HSS, Lalgudi; and Thathaiyengarpet Govt Girls’ HSS in Musiri educational district.
With this year’s addition, 134 out of the 176 higher secondary schools will function as centres for practical examinations. Of them, 80 centres will be in Tiruchi educational district, 32 in Musiri educational district, and 22 in Lalgudi educational district, the Chief Educational Officer K. Swaminathan said.
The practical examinations will be held in two spells. The first spell will be from February 4 to 11, and the second between February 13 and 20. At a meeting with headmasters on Monday, the CEO issued the nominal rolls.
Last year, higher secondary teachers voiced their liking for the conduct of the practical examinations after the main exams. Their reasoning was that since the practicals are conducted in two batches, the dislocation of teachers for a fortnight hampers the students’ preparation.
Also, after the completion of practical examinations schools find it difficult to retain attendance of students in the interregnum till the commencement of the main exams. Another argument put forth in favour of practical examinations after the main examinations is that there is no compulsion to complete them so early in the absence of an entrance examination.
Acknowledging the advantages in shifting the schedule of practical examinations, headmasters are hopeful that the School Education department will consider the issue in right earnest at least in the following academic year.
