School admissions: Lucky draw for best schools

First exam scores & factors such as diversity used to select students at best schools, then emotional lucky draw which some parents say is just gambling.

EDUCATION

Obec to slot students in schools

4/04/2016
Proudpisut Sang-ou-thai

Students who have not yet found schools in Mathayom 1 (Grade 7) (lower secondary school or junior high school in the US) will be allowed to register and secure a place (or seat) in a school.

A lottery or lucky draw for a limited number of places at the most sought-after schools was held Sunday.

Those who missed out on selection based on exam results announced last week or who did not win the lucky draw will now register.

Registration will run from Wednesday to Sunday at students' nearest schools or the educational service's offices.

After they register, the Ministry of Education will find a place at a school for them.

Obec will announce which students have been allotted to what schools on April 17.

LUCKY DRAWS FOR MOST COMPETITIVE SCHOOLS

At Sunday's announcement of the registration dates, students entered into lucky draws to determine seats for those living near the country's 18 most competitive schools, five of which are in Bangkok.

The five in Bangkok were: 1. Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn, 2. Triam Udom Suksa Nomklao, 3. Nawaminthrachuthit Triamudomsuksanomklao, Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) 2 and 4. Surasakmontree school.

Mr Chalam said the most highly- sought after schools are now full, but there are still seats at less competitive schools.

FIDGETING, CHEERS, CRIES AS LUCKY NUMBERS DRAWN

The lucky draw season for Mathayom 1 students started Sunday, after entry exams finished on March 26 and the results were announced on Saturday.

Tense scenes played out at Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School Sunday, with one father who accompanied his daughter saying he was told 54 out of 94 students will be accepted.

Students, separated from their parents and seated on the front rows, fidgeted as the lottery of places got underway.

Cheering voices and clapping hands erupted across the school's auditorium as children who won places at schools congratulated each other, while parents consoled some of the unlucky pupils who missed out.

Some students were seen crying as they contemplated their fates.

LIKE GAMBLING SAY SOME PARENTS

On the plus side, casting lots gave students who missed out based on their test results a chance to secure a place at a good school.

On the minus side, some students still missed out on the lottery.

"Every year children have to go through such a horrible emotional process," said one mother.

"This is like gambling," added another parent.

Both parents, however, agreed with the admission system that ensures children living in the district are given priority to study near their home.

The parents' concerns were eased by the fact they can fill in a form and apply to enrol their children in other schools near the area.

Still, no parents want their children to study in a less sought-after and less prestigious school, the parents said.

FEW SEATS GIVEN TO PRIVILEGED, MOST TO DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS

Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn is the most competitive government school this year with 1,300 students applying for 500 places for Mathayom 1.

Few seats were given to students considered privileged.

Most seats were awarded to those with diverse backgrounds, according to Theerapong Niyomthong, the school director. 

"There is one border patrol police's daughter, a few students who are from families with limited means, and our decision to give dispensation to people from low-income backgrounds is valid according to Obec," Mr Theerapong said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/919961/obec-to-slot-students-in-schools

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