Changes to High Achievers Policy Will Infringe on Student Rights: Aishath Ali
Former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali has expressed concern over the government's recent amendments to the High Achievers Scholarship criteria, stating that the changes will undermine students' rights. She noted that the new requirement, which mandates at least one 'A*' grade at A-Level, restricts opportunities and narrows the academic pathways available to students rather than accurately assessing their potential. Consequently, Dr. Aishath Ali has called for a review of the policy to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
Former Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali. | People's Majlis | People's Majlis
The decision to amend the High Achievers Scholarship criteria to require at least one A* is an unjust move that undermines the rights of students striving for excellence in their stream subjects, says former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali.
Former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali has characterized the government's recent amendments to the High Achievers Scholarship criteria as an unjust decision that undermines the rights of students who work rigorously to excel in their respective streams. Dr. Aishath Ali made these remarks in a Facebook post addressing the changes introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education to the scholarship awarding policy.
According to the new regulations released by the Ministry of Higher Education late last night, students completing their higher secondary examinations must now achieve at least one 'A*' grade in their A-Level exams to qualify for the High Achievers Scholarship. Previously, this scholarship was awarded to students who secured 'A' grades in five subjects. However, under the revised criteria, students must obtain an 'A*' in at least one subject and a minimum of an 'A' grade in the remaining four subjects, out of a total of five subjects including three A-Level subjects and HSC Islamic Studies and Dhivehi.
Expressing concern over the change, Dr. Aishath Ali stated that it is deeply worrying that students' future opportunities could be restricted by subjects entirely unrelated to their chosen fields of study. She further noted that such policies, rather than assessing a student's true potential and talent, would instead serve to block their paths toward future advancement.
The changes to this policy have resulted in significant implications for students completing higher secondary education at Arabiyya School. Under the previous regulations, students were eligible for the High Achievers Scholarship by achieving an 'A' grade in all subjects within their chosen stream of the Grades 11 and 12 examinations. However, under the new policy, students are now required to achieve an 'A*' grade in at least one subject and 'A' grades in all remaining subjects. This requirement encompasses all subjects studied in the Grades 11 and 12, including the HSC Dhivehi language examination.
Dr. Aishath Ali further expressed her hope that the policy would be reviewed to ensure equal opportunities for all students, taking into account the potential negative impacts this change could have on them. While the government introduced this change under the guise of raising the standards of higher secondary examinations, many within the education sector continue to criticize the decision, arguing that it will ultimately restrict opportunities for students.
