A year leaps again.

Today there will be two meetings.  The first one will be held in the morning at 10:30.  We have to decide whether we have to promote those who do not match the 20-50-C policy.  In fact some of the students in my class got 49 for the average and they will be asked to repeat.  But they have tried their best already.  Sometimes I don't know if it is a good idea to force for them to repeat. 

In the afternoon, the meeting concerns how to allocate students into different classes.  To certain extend, it is a good idea to group students of the same ability in the same class.  In this way, it will be easier for teachers to teach.  But is it fair for those students who are not that bright to stay in the same class?  Will they be labelled that they are weak?  How will they feel?  Is it fair for the teachers who have been teaching their students for one or two years and then they are reallocated to other classes and that they have to teach those weak students?   Do you think they will be happy?  Who knows.

Today my S7 students came back to school to get their HKAL exams results.  It is a very important exam for students as they have to use the results to apply for a place in the universities.

Yesterday, the HKEAA announced that the passing rate of Use of English is 75%.  It was quite a big burden for both students and teachers.  They will not be considered to offer them any places in the universities if they fail in UE no matter how well the did for the other subjects.  For teachers, it is also a pressure. 

My students did quite well in the exam.  75% of them got passed.  One got an A and one got a B, and 5 got a C 8 got a D and 12 got an E.  I think it is a good result already and I am released.

Even though a lot of people think that exams do harm to students.  But what can we do??  Any good suggestions?

One of my friends in Xanga said that exams serve only to find the weaknesses of students and then give them remedial lessons.  He also said that without exams, we can still survive.  But I do not agree with him. 

Yes, exams do give pressure and stress to students.  But without exams, how can we find who are the suitable people for doing something.  In fact, in my opinion, exams not only find the weaknesses of students and then give them remedial lessons, but also help find the strength of students.  And as far as I know with my experience, students find themselves happy and satisfied when they find that they have done well and get good results.  They are contented with what they have tried.

Without exams, how can a boss find a suitable staff?  Without exams, how can the colleges accept the suitable students to take their course.

I don't mean to make anyone unhappy.  I just want to voice my view.