Number of words: 145

The present examination system encourages passivity, merely following the orders of instruction without questioning and thus increasing intellectual and emotional dependence rather than self-motivation, curiosity and self-assurance. There is no training for active leadership in occupational environments. Individualism prevents the ordering of responsible attitudes towards others and society. It is thought that some of these defects can be eliminated through small schools with more interaction. More specialised schools with a clear sense of purpose in which the area of interest suggest the involvement and in which no class or ethnic differences emerge. Encouraging half school and half employment, harnessing the cooperation of organisations to take over some of the educational responsibilities of the school, for a few hours each day and that utilise the talents of the students for community and other works.

Excerpted from page 142 of ‘Examinations: An Informative Update’ by M Mascarenhas.