‘Get your concept on subjects clear before admission’

Herald: What is the main reason for the decline in the pass percentage at HSSC this year?

REBELLO: The SSC pass percentage had gone up from 85.54 to 88.10 and 90.10 between 2014-15-16. The figure, this year however, was pegged at 88.77% . Riding on that pretext on the rising pass percentages, over the last three years, most students who appeared this year had opted for Science. Let me explain, in 2015, most of the Class X students secured high percentage despite being average throughout. Banking on a false perception, these students had opted for science stream hoping to do a repeat performance. However, the myth was busted and to keep doing well in science, especially at this level, you have to have a clear concept of maths, physics and chemistry. Also, the questions set for science are of national level. The number of students who appeared for science this year, was much more than last year. All these reasons can be attributed to the reduction in the pass percentage.

Herald: With the supplementary exam now in June will the students be able to cope up with the pressure and prepare themselves?

REBELLO: I totally agree. We used to conduct these exams in October, but then there are a lot of board activities to be executed then. Because of this, we decided to have it in June. It also helps the students not to waste an entire academic year.

Herald: Was the digital correction used last year a failure and whether the board is looking to restart the same in future?

REBELLO: We had certain objectives — the board wanted the marks to come question-wise so that we could share it with the schools and they could then do a research on it. The schools could also conduct item analysis and take the remedial measures. This would improve the teaching methods. For the supplemantary exam in October last year, which was of a small size, the pilot programme worked. However, for the bigger test in March, the company which handled the digi issue could not give us a good picture and it was all jumbled up. Secondly,   when we went for digital method, the process involved scanning of papers which took us a time also these papers needed to be coded. The whole process was time consuming. I feel we should continue with the system and the teachers should be trained to be in sync with the system. 

Herald: Will Goa Board get affected due to scrapping of moderation policy?

REBELLO: Hiking of marks should be stopped. At Goa Board, we don’t do it. Let me come clear on this. For the last five years, we have not done a single increase in mark of students which is done artificially to create an inflator effect. But we have a “gracing process” which is within the rules and then we have the sports marks. In other boards, it appeared that if a student scored 75 out of 100, he/she ends up getting 90 %.  Meanwhile, in Goa board, sports marks are added to the grand total of the student. However, in cases where the student fails to secure pass mark in any particular subject, this marks would be added to that subject to facilitate him/her. 

Herald: How many students on an average apply under the improvement scheme every year?

REBELLO: Last year, there were 30 to 40. This year, we expect more because now what happens is that if they improve their percentage and get 45 in physics, chemistry and maths (PCM) that would make them eligible to appear for the engineering test. Supplementary also helps them in that. So, 30-40 used to be there till last year. This year, we might expect more.