Pre-O/L Maths paper planned

by Manjula Fernando

The Education Ministry in a bid to boost pass rates in mathematics at the GCE Ordinary Level Examination has planned a pre-O/L Maths paper in July.

"This special exam paper is prepared by the same panel who draft the mathematics paper for the GCE O/L Exam. It will act as a model for the students to clear their doubts and build up confidence," Examinations Commissioner General Mahinda Wijayasiri said.

"It will also give an opportunity for teachers to make a pre-evaluation and better prepare their students for their last hurdle," Wijayasiri added.

According to the Examinations Department, a little over 45 per cent of the total 300,000 candidates who sit for the O/L Examination manage to obtain pass marks. Mathematics also account for the largest number of failures for a single subject every year. A pass for mathematics is compulsory to be qualified for GCE Advanced Level.

The orientation paper will be drafted by the Examinations Department and will be administered at school level under the supervision of the Education Ministry's Mathematics Unit. The Ministry will make arrangements for private candidates to sit for this special paper.