Pilot project: To introduce O’ and A’ levels, FDE finalises two colleges

Project to be extended according to demands of students.

ISLAMABAD:

Acting on its plan to improve the quality of education in public schools, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) recently selected two model colleges to introduce O’ levels and A’ levels in the next session.

The model colleges in F-8/4 and I-10/1 have been selected for boys and girls respectively, as the FDE finalised the feasibility report.

FDE Model Colleges Director Tariq Masood said they had already discussed training possibilities of teachers with Cambridge University.

The director said the fee structure for the programme has not been finalised as yet; however, he assured it would be less than half of notable private schools.

According to Masood, model schools have more professional and qualified teachers compared to private schools but due to outdated teaching methodologies and examination system, public schools are lagging behind.

“Our system is theoretical and teacher-oriented in nature, while the Cambridge system is more student-oriented and focuses on practical knowledge,” he said.

The director added that the system would gradually be extended to other colleges according to the demands of parents and students.

“FDE has the required infrastructure and human resource to expand the project but there is a need to change teaching methodologies and train teachers according to the requirements of the Cambridge system,” he said.

However, some critics have opined that the project would only be in favour of the rich and influential bureaucrats as poor children will not get the opportunity to study in such a selective environment.

The director, however, assured that the admissions would be given strictly on merit.

“Admissions will be given only to students showing outstanding performance in academics who are unable to pursue education due to financial reasons,” he maintained.

FDE Planning Director S M Waqar shared similar views about the pilot project, saying that it would be in larger interests of the poor segment of the society.

“When Ziaul Haq changed the syllabus in public schools from English to Urdu in 1980s, a number of private English-medium schools opened up, which were unaffordable for the majority of the population,” he explained.

“Now after 30 years, we are revisiting the system to improve the quality of education.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2012.