New centre for tackling school exam failure

IN a move to help as many school pupils as possible combat academic failure, Palma Town Council has set up the first study support centre in Sa Calatrava, offering revision classes and advice on how to approach preparation for school exams. The centre, entitled “Success” and located by the Xesc Forteza theatre, was opened yesterday by Palma's mayor, Catalina Cirer. She was accompanied on the occasion by Rogelio Araujo, Culture and Education deputy; Margalida Ferrando, Social Services councillor; and Rafael Duran representing the Sports and Youth department. Cirer said that if the venture did in fact prove to be a success, plans were in place to create a network of such centres in the suburbs of the city so that as many pupils as possible could access assistance. The mayor confirmed that the project was aimed at primary and secondary school pupils as well as those preparing to go to university, who were living in Sa Calatrava or in neighbouring districts. The overall aim of operation “Success” was to improve pupils' academic achievements and reduce the number who choose to opt out of the school system at an early stage. The centre would be staffed with specially qualified teachers. Rogelio Araujo said that the scheme was essential in Palma where 32 percent of pupils were faced with exam failure.