Soroti Mock Exams: Over 600 Pupils Fail, Raising PLE Concerns

A significant number of Primary Seven pupils in Soroti City have underperformed in the latest mock examinations, with 691 candidates scoring Division U, indicating failure across all four subjects. This result has raised alarms among educators about the students’ readiness for the national Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) scheduled for November.

A total of 3,439 candidates from both public and private schools participated in the mock tests. The high failure rate, coupled with 68 candidates absent and 30 receiving a Division X grade, has led education officials to urge a shift in pedagogical approaches.

Samuel Eceku, Soroti City Academic Chairperson, advised headteachers to focus revision efforts on question interpretation and structure rather than rote memorization of entire topics. He stressed the importance of helping learners understand what is being asked.

While 209 candidates achieved Division One, the majority scored lower grades. Francis Esabu, Soroti City West Inspector of Schools, emphasized that the results serve as a crucial reflection of the teaching and effort invested in each institution, calling for thorough analysis and corrective measures.

Most top performers hailed from private institutions. Education Officer Michael Obuya encouraged heads of departments to investigate the reasons behind poor performance in specific subjects, particularly Social Studies, which emerged as the weakest. He also recommended exposing students to diverse question formats by reviewing mock exams from neighboring districts.

Officials are urging headteachers to utilize available capitation grants for academic interventions and seminars. “Teamwork matters” in improving outcomes, Obuya added.

These mock examinations were developed by the Soroti City Academic Board, vetted by the Uganda National Examinations Board, and administered by certified examiners.

Source: Daily Monitor