KEETMANSHOOP–//Kharas education director /Awebahe //Hoeseb says the region is delighted with the increased interest in the newly introduced Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level examinations at secondary schools in the region. 

This year, 283 learners are writing the AS level examination at six schools in //kharas. The number in 2021 was 103, but the grade 11 learners who wrote the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) examination in 2021 performed exceptionally well, therefore, the increase in numbers of enrolment.

He said all gears are well oiled for this year’s examinations.

//Hoeseb told New Era in an interview that all teachers offering AS curriculum subjects were trained through the National Institution for Education Development (NIED) and Continuous Professional Development activities through the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture by means of advisory services while schools were requested to make arrangements for extra support for learners writing the examinations this year. 

“In terms of the expected success rate for this year’s examinations, it must be stated that each national examination comes with its own challenges,” he said. 

//Hoeseb continued that learners’ attitudes differ yearly as their dedication and commitment levels towards their future and their dreams differ from one to another. 

“Teachers can do their best in schools but it is up to every individual learner to prepare well for the examination,” he said.  

He also said the line ministry has procured textbooks and teaching aids as well as teaching and learning materials needed for the smooth running of the curriculum implementation. 

When explaining the benefits of learners who will be writing the AS level exams, he explained that they could study anywhere in the world.  

“This makes the new curriculum at AS level even more promising for the future and, in fact, the AS curriculum is benchmarked against the Cambridge International Examinations, making it weighing more than the previous grade 12 curriculum,” the director said. 

Challenges experienced, according to //Hoeseb, is lack understanding from the general public on what the AS curriculum is all about. 

“Some institutions of high learning were furthermore reluctant in the past to admit candidates who meet the passing requirements at AS level at first for courses offered at their institutions, but the situation is changing,” he said.