DO AWAY with the 11-Plus exam, ensure teachers are trained before they step in the classroom and emphasise reading at the primary school level.

These were just some of the reforms in education that members of the public were calling for in what they saw as a failing education system in Barbados.

Speaking at the National Advisory Commission on Education's (NACE) first town hall meeting at the Ellerslie Secondary School on Tuesday night, the people insisted on various changes in education.

"How can you have an exam over and over again where half of the children are failing?" queried retired teacher Sherwin Walters in reference to the Common Entrance Exam.

"The country that gave us Common Entrance has abandoned the exam," said the former educator, adding that it was time Barbados do the same for an exam "that determines the rest of your life".

Walters was also supported in his call to discontinue the 11-Plus exam by another participant, draftsman Maurice Bell, who felt that the curriculum needed broadening in the growing age of globalisation.

Chaired by Dr Letnie Rock with deputy chairman of the commission, Robert "Bobby" Morris, on hand, those present at the town meeting saw the pressing need for ensuring all teachers are trained before entering the classroom.

From additional support services for students and teachers, to putting more emphasis on reading at the primary school level, those in the audience came forward in their numbers to express their views.

However, Richard Nunez, an actuary of the National Insurance Department, believed that the schools were making a grave error by not partnering with the business community.

He felt that school children should be told about the availability in the perspective job markets and surveys should be carried out to see what the companies expect of students coming out of school.

The NACE committee continues its series of town hall meetings tonight at the Alexandra School, Queen's Street, St Peter, and moves to Grantley Adams Memorial School on May 3.