English not compulsory for A/L

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

English is not a compulsory subject to enter the Advanced Level stream, Education Department Commissioner Nimal Bandara said.

However, students have to get through Mathematics and the respective language papers if they are to qualify for Advanced Level since mathematics and languages are compulsory.

Under the Ordinary Level new syllabus introduced in 2008, students have to sit for nine subjects including six core subjects and three other subjects which can be selected in accordance with the students' wishes. Out of nine subjects, students should get through all core subjects including mathematics and language while obtaining three credits for three core subjects. This is the least qualification for entry to Advanced Level classes, Education Department sources said.