A total of 38,716 Grade 12 students in PNG will sit for their Written Expression Exams on Monday, August 4.
The students come from 238 secondary schools, including six National Schools of Excellence (NSoEs) that have been nominated to sit this important exam.
Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra, confirmed that all exam booklets have already been delivered to schools across the provinces and were distributed to students on Monday, July 28.
“The Grade 12 Written Expression Exam (WEX) marks the first national exam for Grade 12 students this year. The Written Expression Exam is as important as any other upper secondary certificate exam to be held in October later this year,” Dr Kombra said.
He said to ensure the integrity and fairness of the exam, the Education Department had put in place strict security measures for handling and distributing the exam papers.
“Exams must reflect the students true efforts. We encourage all students to do their best and show what they have learned. Teachers and schools have a duty to uphold the integrity of the exams,” Dr Kombra said.
He added that marking of the exam papers would take place from August 17 to 23 in Port Moresby.
Dr Kombra also warned all schools against any malpractices relating to the national examinations.
“Students and schools are warned of serious consequences, which include non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers, and banning of school for a minimum period of three years.
“We have eliminated cheating in examinations. Hence, results are now based on hard work and offer better education benchmarks.
“I wish all the Grade 12 students the best of luck in their first national examination for 2025,” Dr Kombra said.