Courses limit raises protests among Baccalureate candidates

Protests among candidates for the Baccalaureate exams have continued for the fourth day consecutively in Algeria as pupils refuse to join classrooms while the education ministry made a plan to keep their right in Spring holidays and catch up missed courses.

Teachers’ union said the pupils have no other reason to take to the street as they want a “courses limit” with the possible smallest number of lessons.

Earlier, the ministry issued a circular to implement a plan and catch missed courses. Spring holidays will be maintained and catch-up courses will be given on Saturdays and Tuesday’s afternoons. Second trimester exams will be banned and mock Baccalaureate exams will be held in May.

National Secretary in charge of information and communication at High School Teachers’ National Independent Council Messaoud Boudiba told Echorouk pupils took to the street following the ministry’s remarks which incited public opinion.

He called on pupils to stop protesting as the ministry’s circular is acceptable. Teachers committed to handle the situation in a pedagogical way. Courses will be caught up.

He added that protesting pupils want a short list of determined courses for their final exams.