O/A levels to be introduced in govt colleges

KARACHI: The government of Sindh has formally started talks with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to launch O and A-Level courses at public schools within the province.

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah received a delegation from CAIE, headed by Country Director for Pakistan Uzma Yousuf, at his office on Thursday. Key officers like School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi were also present.

The talks emphasized the improvement of Sindh’s education system through the development of curricula, teacher training, foundational learning, and assessment reform.

Both sides agreed to form a joint working group responsible for developing practical strategies and offering long-term recommendations for action.

Minister Shah reiterated the determination of the government to provide public school students with access to an international-standard education. He announced that there will be at least one school in each district which will be offering O and A-Level subjects, and guaranteed that registration and examination fees will be subsidized.

“No child should be denied an opportunity because of expenses. We want equal opportunities for all,” Shah said.

CAIE country director Uzma Yousuf emphasized the need for teacher training and reforms in early education, noting that preparation for O-Level should start at the primary level.

She committed CAIE’s complete support to reforms, capacity development, and advisory services, calling teacher development a sustainable long-term objective.