School 'guinea pigs' try out controversial new general knowledge exam

Yesterday 530,000 sixth grade pupils took a trial exam aimed at assessing their primary school education. According to the Gazeta Wyborcza daily, both teachers and parents have mixed feelings about the test. The general knowledge exam is due to become obligatory for all sixth graders in April next year. Though the results will be included on the primary school leaving certificate, even those with a zero score will not be barred from entering high school. According to the teachers quoted by the daily, the exam will cause unnecessary stress and won't reflect pupils' qualifications. Despite Education Ministry assurances, both parents, teachers and pupils fear that the exam results will be taken into consideration during the high school application process. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.3) P.J.