Grade 10 Shocker

EARLY ADOLESCENT: Thesaurus defines early adolescence as “immature”.

With synonyms: “undisciplined” and “undeveloped”. It all comes down to the fact that such a person cannot be allowed to do things on their own.Would it not be fatal to leave a child with this mental capacity to think for himself? Well, in Namibia it has been proven crucial repeatedly and yet no one ever seems to wonder why that is.Conditions around Grade 10 exams are not only psychologically absurd but also outrageously unfair to the people subjected to it.We all know adolescents have trouble establishing a positive identity; they may be doing poorly in school, in fact they do perform poorly in school, or lack discipline and motivation.Adolescents naturally find it very difficult to steer themselves into the right direction, having to cope with so many changes in their bodies and minds can only confuse them.Even adults can agree that having time on their hands during crucial times such as exams can only lead to disaster.Now does it not seem bizarre to give a confused child unsupervised time and freedom? A child of this mental capacity can hardly think for himself, and will obviously run to the shebeen first thing the parents leave the house, or entertain sweethearts because they are “home alone” Now you probably wish to tell me, “They are big enough to look after themselves and should know what is wrong and what is right! Well, we all know that the average Grade 10 student is ± 14 years of age.Now would you think a child of that age can make sane decisions? Even adults have difficulty taking responsibility, now we expect a mere child, “wet behind the ears” to make crucial decisions? Even university students who fail to acquire fulltime tuition have trouble passing exams, and here you expect the impossible to happen.Maybe Education should have a decent look at this spectacle that repeat itself year after year! Why the system has been changed is still beyond comprehension.The aim of our Education Ministry should be to develop and not to marginalise or teach lessons.With this system you destroy many futures and dreams, because keep in mind we are not a prosperous nation despite common believe, many cannot afford to go to Namcol even if they have a burning desire to do so.Now this is not fairytale era, we encounter stigma around every street corner.Every sane person should see that many of the laws passed in this country appear contrary to Vision 2030.Namibia one of the poorest and rated amongst the less educated nations yet we have the most ludicrous systems.Systems that in the end hold no benefits for its subjects Better education! A promise by many a member of parliament.It seems a cliché now, a buzzword in every political campaign and yet it has remained an empty promise from the word go.In fact education in Namibia has now become worthless, out of reach and for them only.Now some fortunate members of public is probably saying “Gmf, one of those ungrateful youngsters, appreciate nothing the government does for them”.Wait a minute! What exactly does the Government do for its people? Well, at least nothing to write home about! A meagre pension for the elderly, poorly equipped schools, even legally justified shebeens and liquor stores to outnumber the very few schools.An unstable constitution with often changes that deprive us our national security.At last, my point, this Grade 10 mock exam will never work.Let the children back into school and give them proper education.And for the record “Has any of these systems that we are subjected to, ever been put to test or are we just the guinea pigs in “spur of the moment” experiments? If so, then now would be the perfect time to do evaluation.Jemima Beukes – Via e-mailIt all comes down to the fact that such a person cannot be allowed to do things on their own.Would it not be fatal to leave a child with this mental capacity to think for himself? Well, in Namibia it has been proven crucial repeatedly and yet no one ever seems to wonder why that is.Conditions around Grade 10 exams are not only psychologically absurd but also outrageously unfair to the people subjected to it.We all know adolescents have trouble establishing a positive identity; they may be doing poorly in school, in fact they do perform poorly in school, or lack discipline and motivation.Adolescents naturally find it very difficult to steer themselves into the right direction, having to cope with so many changes in their bodies and minds can only confuse them.Even adults can agree that having time on their hands during crucial times such as exams can only lead to disaster.Now does it not seem bizarre to give a confused child unsupervised time and freedom? A child of this mental capacity can hardly think for himself, and will obviously run to the shebeen first thing the parents leave the house, or entertain sweethearts because they are “home alone” Now you probably wish to tell me, “They are big enough to look after themselves and should know what is wrong and what is right! Well, we all know that the average Grade 10 student is ± 14 years of age.Now would you think a child of that age can make sane decisions? Even adults have difficulty taking responsibility, now we expect a mere child, “wet behind the ears” to make crucial decisions? Even university students who fail to acquire fulltime tuition have trouble passing exams, and here you expect the impossible to happen.Maybe Education should have a decent look at this spectacle that repeat itself year after year! Why the system has been changed is still beyond comprehension.The aim of our Education Ministry should be to develop and not to marginalise or teach lessons.With this system you destroy many futures and dreams, because keep in mind we are not a prosperous nation despite common believe, many cannot afford to go to Namcol even if they have a burning desire to do so.Now this is not fairytale era, we encounter stigma around every street corner.Every sane person should see that many of the laws passed in this country appear contrary to Vision 2030.Namibia one of the poorest and rated amongst the less educated nations yet we have the most ludicrous systems.Systems that in the end hold no benefits for its subjects Better education! A promise by many a member of parliament.It seems a cliché now, a buzzword in every political campaign and yet it has remained an empty promise from the word go.In fact education in Namibia has now become worthless, out of reach and for them only.Now some fortunate members of public is probably saying “Gmf, one of those ungrateful youngsters, appreciate nothing the government does for them”.Wait a minute! What exactly does the Government do for its people? Well, at least nothing to write home about! A meagre pension for the elderly, poorly equipped schools, even legally justified shebeens and liquor stores to outnumber the very few schools.An unstable constitution with often changes that deprive us our national security.At last, my point, this Grade 10 mock exam will never work.Let the children back into school and give them proper education.And for the record “Has any of these systems that we are subjected to, ever been put to test or are we just the guinea pigs in “spur of the moment” experiments? If so, then now would be the perfect time to do evaluation.Jemima Beukes – Via e-mail