Jamshedpur, Jan. 24: Government schools in East Singhbhum are going in for an experiment to attain better results.

The schools are conducting coaching classes to achieve a 90 per cent success rate in the state board examinations. The classes, which are being conducted in 58 schools, span three hours for six days a week.

The stress has been laid on maths, science and English.

Ratan Kumar Singh, the district education officer, told The Telegraph the experiment was based on last year’s review meeting with the school principals. “This year, we want 90 per cent of the examinees to clear the tests. Last year, we had set the target at 75 per cent and were satisfied with the results. At the last year’s review meeting with principals, we had decided to begin coaching classes to brush up weak areas of the students,” Singh said.

The number of successful candidates in 2005 was 60 per cent, which rose to a remarkable 80 per cent in 2006, added Singh. “We are hopeful to succeed with this experiment. Most of the students are scared of maths, science, and English. Therefore, we are concentrating on these subjects,” he further said.

The classes have been well received by the students.

Priya Suman, a student of St Robert High School, said: “Our syllabus was completed in December. But extra classes are wonderful for revision work. I feel confident about subjects like maths, which I feared before this. Now I enjoy maths. It is indeed a boon for weak students and for mediocre students like me.”

The coaching classes will continue till February 15, and the board exam is scheduled to begin from February 21.

A science teacher in a local government school said it would be a good way to improve the pass percentage.

“Of course, it is good for the students. But the teachers are not getting anything in return for the labour. While the social science teachers are taking rest, the science, maths and English teachers have to come to school. There must be some reward for us,” he said.