A milestone moment unfolded at Kopen National School of Excellence in Enga yesterday as 83 pioneer Grade 12 students sat for their Advanced Mathematics Paper 1 — marking the school’s first ever Grade 12 national examination since being elevated to National School of Excellence status, NBC reports.
A Historic Step Forward
- Kopen is currently the only school in PNG to phase out Grades 9 and 10 entirely, transitioning fully into an excellence high school.
- From 2026 onward, the school will begin offering STEM subjects for its first cohort of Grade 11s.
Preparation & Support
Mrs. Martha Ligogo, Head of the Language & Literature Department, expressed confidence in the students’ readiness. To prepare, night and afternoon classes were held, holiday breaks were canceled, and students remained on campus for remedial support.
Principal Saju Francis thanked all contributors to this achievement and stressed the importance of Kopen as an option for ambitious students aspiring to STEM fields and government scholarships.
Strong backing from the Enga Provincial Government, led by Sir Peter Ipatas, the provincial administration, and the school’s first governing council was also acknowledged as a key enabler in the school’s journey to this point.
Looking Ahead
The school’s success reflects the Enga Provincial Government’s vision for quality education through the National Schools of Excellence initiative.
Kopen is now positioned to become a model STEM institution, offering top-performing students a pathway to higher education and national service.