OrBorJor, Nation Group organize free cram sessions

PHUKET: In implicit recognition that the mainstream education system is not sufficiently preparing students for entry into higher education, the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) has joined with the Phuket Educational Service Office and the Nation Multimedia Group, (of which the Phuket Gazette is a part), to hold the 1^st Educational Skills Improvement Seminar at Phuket Rajabhat University.

The project, opened by OrBorJor President Paiboon Upatising at 8.30 am on January 11, is aimed at preparing students in the last three years of secondary school for university admissions exams and informing them about new exams due to be set from 2010.

Mr Paiboon was joined at the opening by Nation Broadcasting Corporation director Kwanruan Taworntaweewong, senior vice-president of sales Benjawan Srisoottisa-ard and Nation Multimedia Group sales manager Wisut Tipbanpot.

The program will see 650 students from 11 Phuket schools study Thai, English, mathematics, social studies and science from January 11 through the 17th, in preparation for the university entrance PRE O-NET and A-NET examinations that will take place January 30 through February 1.

“The OrBorJor has a policy of supporting educational quality for students at all levels in Phuket to ensure the students have the educational ability to compete with others around Thailand. This is a good opportunity to begin co-operation between houses, schools and communities,” Mr Paiboon said.

“Preparation for further education is a necessity. Revision followed by testing is the number one way for students to excel. From the number of students who have entered the program, as well as the parents supporting them, we can see this program is a good thing. The OrBorJor is ready to support students to meet their needs as much as possible. In the next school year we will make additional changes to the educational system as appropriate,” he added.

Tanad Kuannimid, director of the Phuket Education Service area office, said “The project will help the students to get ready and revise the main subjects. This will show them where they stand and boost their skills and confidence for the real exams at the end of February. Moreover, the project will help the students’ parents understand the university education system.”

Dr Weerawit Saritthipan, chairman of Phuket Wittayalai School’s parents’ network, said, “This project is great because education within the system isn’t sufficient to prepare students for higher learning. The kids still need a lot more support and development.”

Many school directors told parents that they had to send their kids to cram schools or they couldn’t be confident that they would get into university. Given the situation, this program is particularly useful, he said.