Choices at 16+
June 21st, 2005 - By Sujata Gamage
In Sri Lanka almost 90% of school-age children complete Grade 11, the grade that marks the end of the senior secondary school, but only 37% of those qualify at the GCE (O/L) examination and proceed to Grades 12 and 13, the collegiate years. Therefore, for all practical purposes, the typical school leaving age in Sri Lanka is 16, the age of an average student completing Grade 11 in Sri Lanka. We use the term 16+ to characterize the full range of school leavers no matter when they leave school. Where do our school leavers go? A recent World Bank report estimates ...