Sindh extends suspension of physical classes for grades I to VIII till May 1

Ghani says classes for grades 9 to 12 to continue with 50 per cent attendance

KARACHI:

In view of the growing number of coronavirus cases in Sindh, physical classes for grades I to VIII are to remain suspended at all public and private schools till May 1, announced provincial education minister Saeed Ghani on Sunday.

However, the education minister stated that schools should continue the education process through alternative means including homework, online classes, WhatsApp as well as email.

On the other hand, Ghani informed that classes for students from grades 9 to 12 will however continue with 50 per cent attendance in classes.

All public and private schools will also be required to fully implement all issued SOPs, he observed.

Earlier this month, on April 4, Ghani had announced the suspension of on-campus classes for grades I to VIII for 15 days, from April 6 (tomorrow) to April 21, in all public and private schools of the province.

Read No delay or cancelation in CAIE exams, confirms Shafqat

The education minister said the decision had been taken keeping in view the worsening pandemic situation. He added that during the said period, schools could conduct online classes, correspond with students and parents via WhatsApp and email, and parents could visit schools to collect homework.

Most importantly, earlier today, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced that A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will take place as per the date sheet announced by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and there will be no delay or cancellation.

The decision, he informed, was taken at a special meeting of health and education ministers of all provinces including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Shafqat wrote on his official Twitter handle.

 

It was also decided with complete consensus among ministers that A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will take place as per date sheet announced by CAIES. There will be no delay or cancellation. Those students wishing to take exams in Oct/Nov can do so in the same fee already paid

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 18, 2021

 

Moreover, the education minister stated that classes for grades 9 to 12 will commence in a staggered manner in all affected districts, to allow students to prepare for their board exams.

The meeting also decided that exams for the aforementioned classes will take place according to the new date sheets announced by the provincial education boards.