Exam fever grips students, teachers

KOCHI: Countdown has begun for students, teachers and the officials  concerned with the SSLC examinations set to commence on Monday. And, the   students are in different stages of preparation and states of mind. While   some claim to be cool, others are slightly tensed and have started thronging  religious places.   
“I am busy preparing for Chemistry now. I will revise for the Malayalam examination scheduled for Monday only on Sunday. This year, SCERT book is   full of model questions. The questions, both for English and Malayalam medium, that were discussed in the class were helpful and so were the revision and counselling sessions held frequently over the last few months,” said Priya K S of Jaya Kerala School, Pulluvazhi, Perumbavoor. She added that she along with her brother has visited the Mookambika Temple.   
Meanwhile, Saraswathy M E, headmistress, Government Girls Higher Secondary  School, said special coaching classes were held for Maths and Science for  weaker students as per the ‘Gurukulam Paddhathi’ from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for  the past few months.
“Moreover, this year the SCERT has brought out a book ‘Orukkam’, comprising   plenty of model questions on all subjects as a guidance to students. Though  the book arrived only late - exactly a month ago - the response to it was amazing,” she added. Saraswathy said hall tickets were issued to students on Friday.
“The majority of students appeared relaxed. Students are confident ever  since the grading system came into existence,” said Ernakulam District  Education Officer (DEO) Margaret.
A total of 39,518 students - 39,240 regular and 278  private - are appearing for the SSLC exams in 307 centres across the district.
As many as 30,000 teachers will undertake the invigilation work. The question papers are in treasuries and banks and will be delivered  to the respective schools by a team of delivery officers who are in-charge of a  cluster of seven to eight schools. Four DEOs are monitoring the process in the district, she said.
After the completion of examinations on March 26, scheme finalisation will be held on March 28 and 29 in the district.
 Evaluation will be held in two   phases from April 2-4 and April 9-20, said N X Ansalam of SRV GMHSS School who is also the president of Ernakulam Revenue District Committee, Government School Teachers Union.