Some localities propose special consideration for candidates taking the 2020 High School Graduation Exam

On the afternoon of July 31, the Steering Committee for the High School Graduation Exam held an online conference on organizing the 2020 High School Graduation Exam with the Steering Committees for the High School Graduation Exam in 63 provinces and cities across the country.

The conference was chaired by Comrade Phung Xuan Nha - Minister of Education and Training. On the Nghe An side, there was Comrade Thai Van Thanh - Member of the Provincial Party Committee - Director of the Department of Education and Training - Permanent Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for High School Graduation Exams, along with representatives of relevant departments, branches and sectors and leaders of 21 districts, cities and towns.

Comrade Phung Xuan Nha speaks at the Conference. Photo: My Ha

The conference took place in the context of the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic. Therefore, in his opening speech at the conference, the Minister of Education and Training affirmed that this meeting aimed to review the actual situation in localities to organize the exam safely in terms of both expertise and health safety.

As we know, this school year has been interrupted for many months due to the Covid-19 epidemic, so the Government has consistently adjusted this year's exam to suit the actual conditions and assigned localities to preside over the organization of the exam. Currently, the preparation work for the High School Graduation Exam in localities has basically been completed. In the coming time, depending on the development of the epidemic, the National Examination Steering Committee will consult with competent authorities to continue directing the exam.

Conference delegates listen to opinions from localities. Photo: My Ha

At the conference, representatives of provinces and cities also spoke about preparations for the 2020 High School Graduation Exam. Many localities have prepared contingency plans in case of complicated developments of the epidemic, such as preparing additional examination rooms and examination sites. Some provinces and cities such as Ho Chi Minh City have conducted Covid-19 testing for all staff working on printing exam papers before taking up their duties.

However, there are also concerns such as gathering hundreds of teachers to grade the exams after the exams are over.

Based on the fact that there are nearly 80 cases of infection in Da Nang, comrade Le Trung Chinh - Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training consider stopping the organization of the exam in Da Nang City, and consider special graduation for all candidates. Candidates who wish to apply for university admission should request the Ministry to soon have a suitable plan to ensure the rights of students. This is also the proposal of the leaders of Quang Nam province.

The representative of the Ministry of Health requires all candidates to have their temperature measured before entering the exam room. Students in the F1 and F2 categories need the support of medical staff and practice social distancing during the exam.

Comrade Thai Van Thanh speaks about Nghe An's exam preparation work. Photo: My Ha

Before a special exam, Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha requested that examination councils carefully prepare all stages. There is only 1 week left until the exam, so localities must closely follow the developments of the epidemic.

Besides, it is necessary to do a good job of communication, providing full and timely information to the people, avoiding heating up the issue and causing confusion for candidates.

The Minister also believes that with the high determination of localities, the exam will take place smoothly, ensuring absolute security, fairness and safety in medical work.

In the upcoming exam, ensuring the health and safety of candidates is extremely important. Photo: My Ha

At this time, preparations at 61 examination councils have basically been completed and Nghe An has begun printing and copying exam papers. It is expected that by August 7, all examination sites will be sprayed with disinfectant and will be equipped with enough medical masks and hand sanitizer for candidates. Some examination sites also have plans to organize meals and accommodation for candidates from far away.

The province has also arranged additional spare exam rooms and invigilators to properly implement the social distancing plan in case of unusual situations.