Education news

New pre-cadet entry level

Wassana Nanuam
Photo by Apichart Jinakul

Pre-cadet students parade at their new campus in Nakhon Nayok following the closure of their old campus opposite Lumpini Park, Bangkok.

Military education will be changed next year to allow students completing Matayom 3, instead of Matayom 4 to apply for seats at the pre-cadet school.

It was Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who wanted the change to be in line with other education systems, said Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya.

The military would next year start screening students completing Matayom 3 to study at the Armed Forces Academy's Preparatory School.

Students were still required to take a two-year course at the pre-cadet school before taking a five-year course at military fields of their choice. General Thammarak said many bright students applied for seats at the pre-cadet school every year. Because of this oversupply he urged students to consider other professions.

VOCABULARY

in line = similar to something or so that one thing is closely connected with another
screen (v): examine people in order to find out if they have a particular disease or illness
urge (v): advise or try hard to persuade somebody to do something

Realising a dream

Story by Sirikul Bunnag

The Education Ministry is confident in its ability to find private and state enterprises to sponsor more than 900 schools under the ''One District One Dream School Project'' launched August 1.

Education Minister Pongpol Adireksarn said the ministry was certain it could find sponsors for all the 921 schools being created under the programme.

The education minister said school needs varied widely with some schools either wanting new buildings, sports stadiums or educational kits while others were still searching for science and language experts.

Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn, the education minister's assistant, said in case there were not enough sponsors for the ''dream schools'' he would personally approach local businessmen and wealthy families to seek additional support from them.

VOCABULARY

confident (adj): feeling sure about your own ability to do things and be successful
approach (v): speak to somebody about something, especially to ask them for something or to offer to do something