The SDCS stands for Student Data Collection System that is used by Schools throughout Papua New Guinea.  It is the online version of the student Information Booklet (SIB). The system runs on a robust web based system hosted in a cloud. It is run by the PNG Education Department through the Measurement services Division (MSD) . The Education Department through MSD released manuals for this program to schools in the country  and  we got hold of one of those manuals on the program. We at Education News Center did a review on this program and also thanks to those teachers or schools who supplied us the information for our review.  Below is our short review on the program. 

The system processes large amount of data uploaded by Primary Schools, High Schools and Secondary Schools in PNG. The system allows schools to do the following: 

• Upload Student Nomination - Eligible for Examination and Certification. 
• Upload School Administration Information
• Upload Teacher Nomination for Marking Examinations
• Upload International Marks
• Upload Examination marks
• Communicate with Education Department

​The System also allows the education Department to:

•  Process and produce student results in real time
• Produce reports for schools
• Reprint reprints lost certificates with ease.

Requirements.

• Computers, Windows 10 or above
• Schools must have internet setup
• MS Excel 2010 or above is required
• Google Chrome Browser 

How it works.

• Schools are given usernames and passwords
• Schools download certain Templates from the browser
• Schools enter student data online. These include bio data, nominations, international marks, examination marks.
• Teachers nominations are also done. 

Advantage. 

• The system can be used for quick processes of results with minimal errors.
• Schools monitor processing of student result through the system
• Examination Reports are produced on real time.
• Students and Schools view results on real time.  

Disadvantage.

• Internet infrastructure is not available to remote schools
• It is very expensive to store data on Cloud system (huge bills per year expected )
• The sustainability of the program may  not be guaranteed for years to come since it is a web based system hosted on third party servers. 
• No custom website is assigned for this program ( currently using host's subdomain)
• Security is not guaranteed in the event the the department fails to pay bills. 
• Not mobile friendly
• No alternative electronic data backup if system fails 
• hosted on third party servers (cloud). Not Education Department Servers. 

​Schools can access SDCS on the link below. 

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GPA stands for Grade Point Average  and it is essential for students or parents to know how it is calculated.  GPA is calculated by using the number of grade points a student earns in a given period of time.  GPAs are often calculated for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and can be used by potential employers or educational institutions to assess and compare applicants.

So the Formula to Calculate GPA is 

In Papua New Guinea, the Lower Secondary uses different grading system as well as the Upper Secondary. For Colleges and universities may use the same ideology in calculating the GPA. First lets look at the grading system and their definition for Secondary Schools in PNG. 

Definition : As you can see from the table above, an A grade is given a grade Point of 4. So B grade is 3, C grade is 2, D grade is 1 and E grade is 0. (A= 4, B = 3, C = 2, D =1 , E = 0) 
​
Given the  GPA formula and the definition of Grades above, now you can easily calculate the GPA of your students. 

Example:   A student studies English, Math A, Physics, Chemistry and Geography in Grade 12.  After the final Exam, he got the following marks/Grades. Note that the student studied five (5) Subjects. 

English  : A   (4 points)
Maths A : C  (2 points)
Physics : B    (3 Points) 
Chemistry : B (3 Points) 
Geography : A (4 Points) 

Using the GPA Formula you get

GPA =   Sum of Grade Points/ Number of Subjects
 
           =  (4 + 2 + 3+ 3 + 4)/5 subjects 
           =  16/5
           = 3. 2
This student has the GPA of 3.2

You can use the same method above to calculate GPA for Grade 10 students' results. 

This is a good questions many of us want to know. Usually the GPA for entry into tertiary institutions varies from institutions to institutions. But the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology DHERST says, the pass mark or the average GPA for entry into tertiary institution is 2.6 and above. This means, any student passing out of Grade 12 with GPA of 2.6 should secure a tertiary placing. 

However, over the recent years, we have observed that due to limited number of spaces at tertiary institutions, students with High GPA were able to secure placing at Tertiary institutions. This implies that many students who meet the DHERST GPA cut-off of 2.6 still miss out on tertiary selections.  This trend is expected to continue for the next couple of years unless the govt increases the tertiary spacing to cater for more intakes. 

Also check out : Why Do Some Students With Good GPA  Miss Out On Tertiary Selections?


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Elementary teachers, initially trained to teach in local vernacular or Tok Pisin in urban areas, have been introduced into primary education without proper support or alignment with broader educational objectives. This transition has contributed to a noticeable decline in literacy and language (L&L) competencies among students in high schools and secondary schools. Assessments reveal that these competencies are now below average, a worrying trend that can be traced back to weaknesses in early childhood education.

A comparison with the previous Pacific Series curriculum highlights the stark difference in outcomes. The Pacific Series, which included all essential English structures such as phonics and grammar, produced students with far superior fluency in the English language than those being educated under the current system. Many Papua New Guineans who were educated during that era advanced significantly better than today’s students, underscoring the need for a robust and inclusive curriculum.

The introduction of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), brought in by the Australian government, was initially seen as a potential cure for PNG’s educational challenges. However, it faced significant backlash from educators and stakeholders, including complaints to the former People's National Congress (PNC) government, which eventually led to its abolition. While OBE had its flaws, its removal did not address the root causes of the systemic problems in education.

Now, history seems to be repeating itself. Decisions are once again being made without public consultation, this time behind closed doors with foreign influences. The abolition of Grade 8 and 10 examinations and the adoption of a Standard-Based Education (SBE) curriculum, which appears to be borrowed from other systems, have been implemented without considering the unique needs of PNG. These changes are being presented as homegrown solutions, but their effectiveness remains questionable.

The absence of critical assessments and public discourse around these reforms is alarming. Education is a cornerstone of national development, and the direction PNG is heading with these reforms could have far-reaching consequences. Poorly designed policies not only jeopardize the future of the education system but also the country's ability to produce competent, literate, and skilled citizens.

The Minister for Education must seek advice from experienced educators, stakeholders, and experts to ensure the future of the education system is safeguarded. Decisions affecting the education of future generations must be made with care, transparency, and a focus on long-term outcomes. Copying foreign models without adapting them to local contexts is a recipe for failure.

As we question the trajectory of PNG's education system, we must also reflect on its broader implications for the nation. Killing the education system is tantamount to killing the country. A failing education system leads to a failing society, where opportunities are lost, and progress is stifled.

It is time for leaders to take a stand and prioritize the needs of the people. The education system must be treated as a national priority, and policies must reflect the aspirations and realities of Papua New Guinea. The future of the nation depends on the decisions we make today.

Also read

• How to calculate GPA for PNG Schools
• The Determination Of A Brilliant  11 Year Old Angela To Serve That Matters

Kerobin Huanjo's journey from the Nubia plantation in Hansa Bay, Madang, to the University of Papua New Guinea is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up with parents who had limited formal education, Kerobin initially underestimated the value of schooling.

In the early years, he helped his father tend to the garden and fish, unaware that education could break the cycle of poverty. Despite facing challenges, including being behind in class, Kerobin's father believed in his potential. This belief led him to complete his first year despite initial difficulties.

MEET Christine Yango, a woman who has done more than a decade of service with the ExxonMobil-operated PNG Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project.
A teacher by profession, Yango overcame many challenges in her educational journey to achieve her dream job.
After 24 years with the Education Department – 17 of those years teaching at secondary schools and seven working in the Education Department head office – Yango was drawn to the exciting prospect of being the first LNG project stakeholder engagement officer.
The project was being built at her doorstep.
“I come from Hides, a small village called Nabo Naliba Jagua, where I attended Mananda Primary School in Komo and then Koroba High School.
“During the 1980s I was one of the first in my village to attend university, it earned me the respect of my community.

SIMON Koyapo Irra, 33, from Taguru, Lalibu-Pangia in Southern Highlands who topped the UPNG School of Medicine and Health Science class of 2023 is a living testimony of why it is worth chasing your dreams.
Koyapo graduated as the top medical student with a Bachelor of Medicine and Health Science degree after 15 years of studying.
Koyapo’s education journey began at Koyabu, where he completed primary education and was later selected to attend Pangia High School where he did Grade s9 and 10. He was then selected to Ialibu Secondary School to complete Grades 11 and 12.
After completing secondary education in Lalibu Secondary School, Koyapo was selected for the science foundation year at the Pacific Adventist University in 2010.

From a small hamlet in Guniba, Popondetta, Oro Province to the bustling city of Port Moresby, Christopher Usuka has proven that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome any challenge and achieve success.

When Christopher was not selected for the college of his choice, he came to Port Moresby to look for a paid job. He took up a short computer accounting course while working his first job as a security guard, but his passion for the creative arts eventually led him to apply for Theatre Arts courses at the University of Papua New Guinea.
“Studying Theatre Arts opened up a whole new world for me,” says Christopher. “It helped me discover my passion for social work and community development, which is what I have been doing ever since.”

After attending a program on social mobilization for development offered by UNICEF in 1997, Christopher started his career in social work as a volunteer with the National Volunteer Service of PNG.

He was a two-term member of the National Volunteer Service of Papua New Guinea and has served as an Information Officer with the PNG Women in Politics, an active nongovernment organization in the mid-90s, and as a Community Development Officer with Milne Bay Provincial Administration.

Christopher entered the public service in 2000 as Publication Coordinator with the National Youth Commission (now the National Youth Development Authority). He progressed in his career to become the Director for Programs and Extension Services, where he has been instrumental in the reactivation of the formal government youth network in Papua New Guinea, which had been inactive for about 30 years.

Christopher’s work has taken him to all Papua New Guinean provinces, and he is very familiar with different cultures, traditions, issues of governance, and people throughout the country. These experiences have informed the design and implementation of the programs he currently oversees within the National Youth Development portfolio.

“Christopher’s dedication to his work is second to none,” says Betty Wai, a colleague of Christopher. “He has a deep understanding of the issues facing young people in Papua New Guinea, and he works tirelessly to ensure that our programs are tailored to their needs.”

Christopher encountered instances where uninform decisions were made, leaving the youth councils dormant. Hence, he applied for a Short Course Award under the Australia Awards to study a Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy Course to upskill himself to take on this challenge. He completed the course in May 2022 and has incorporated his new skills and knowledge into his workplace.

“The course has broadened my understanding on research-based work and aligning programs with partners at the local, regional, and global levels. I have used this knowledge to create research instruments to get feedback on youth programs, such as the SME program, and to improve programs for youth councils and leaders.

“I am also helping to create a survey to gather information from young people across the country about their goals and opportunities. This will help improve current and future youth programs.

Christopher has recently written a proposal for a UNICEF program on Youth Health in the MOMASE region, which includes training, awareness campaigns, and surveys to address health issues for adolescents and youth.

“We will make a detailed plan from this proposal to carry out these activities,” Christopher proudly says.

Source : Australian Awards PNG 
​
Also read

• Never Give Up : Story Of A School Administrator
• ​A Dream Come True For Young School Administrator

By Kenneth Kalai 
In my years of Education I was lucky enough to enter tertiary education because entry requirement accepted Grade 10. Without good grades I was on the fence but by luck I was accepted into a boys college teacher training at St Paul's Vunakanau Teachers College in 1992 East New Britain Province for three years Diploma.

In my final year 1994 Eruption occurred so we were taken to St Benedict Kaindi Teachers College for few weeks and graduated.
Though I received Diploma in Primary Teaching deep in me I felt too low so in my first year teaching I took up Adult Matriculation Studies at Madang University Centre now Madang UPNG Open CAMPUS. I completed it and was admitted to Degree Program doing BA in Education. It was a tough struggle studying at university level and working same time. I stood all odds and sacrificed alot.

By Kenny Pawa Ambiasi
Graham Billinflint William, the Deputy Principal  Academic at Brugam Secondary School in East Sepik  Province has become an aspiring, influential author and  inspirational speaker. Graham is a full-time school  administrator and teacher and family man but finds time  between his career and personal life to write books.

Graham developed the passion to write books when he was  small. One morning when he was playing marble with his  elder sister (Sevra William) near their house, his father  came straight from church (after morning devotion). On his  father’s hand, he was holding onto a book titled “JESUS  OF NAZERETH” written by IAN COLLINS. Graham was
so curious about the book and asked his father, “Who wrote  the book?” “This book is written by someone who had went  to school so if you go to school, you will be a writer like  him” his father replied. On that day, Graham never knew  that his father had planted a seed of writing books in him.

Clarence Shepard Day Jr. (1874 –1935), an American author and cartoonist, best known for his work ‘Life  With Father’ made a very wise observation about books. Clarence said “The world of books is the most  remarkable creation of man; nothing else that he builds ever lasts. Monuments fall; nations perish;  civilizations grow old and die out. After an era of darkness, new races build others; but in the world of
books are volumes that live on still as young and fresh as the day they were written, still telling men’s heart  of the hearts of men centuries dead.”  Graham retried that “Books are information banks that can broaden our knowledge and understanding.  Books are catalysts that can speed up the process of pursuing our goals.

So read books, further still write books”.
If you want to get the copies of Graham’s or publish your book, contact the author or publisher on 73026091  or 72208420.
May Graham’s story inspire you to live a positive life.
The End! 

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​

​Story by Gule Marabe 
Looking for decent job after graduating from universities is another challenging steps that we had to climb up as graduates. Here is my undeniable experience that maybe beneficial to new graduates . In 2015 April, I have graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 with degree in Environmental Science and Geography. I have heard many times from previous students and senior workers from both public and private sectors that "getting decent jobs is not that easy and while on the job search and when time goes on, you would turn to forget what you had learned from college or university".