Candidates writing this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) have been advised to exorcise all fears in them, relax and remain calm, as they start their first external examinations Monday. About 372,826 Junior High School pupils would be writing the exams that would determine their progress on the educational ladder. The exercise is expected to end next week Monday, 18, 2011 in 1,298 centres across the country. Mrs Agnes Tei-Cudjoe, PRO of the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC), the examining body, speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show hosted by Bernard Nasara Saibu, told candidates that the papers are within their standard, and once they are well prepared, there would be nothing to fear. “They should relax, the examination is within their level, questions are based on their syllabuses and all that their teachers have been teaching them in schools.” She also advised the candidates to be calm and make it a point to always get to the examinations centres on time. Mrs Tei-Cudjoe admonished them to obey instructions and avoid actions such as tearing part of their examinations papers, talking to or seeking assistance from friends whilst exam is in progress among others that would get them into trouble. She said the pupils would also be searched for foreign materials before they enter the exam halls, and warned that anyone who smuggles any forbidden materials like calculators or textbooks into the room would be dealt with. She said WAEC has done a lot of sensitization and hoped the candidates would go by the simple rules and regulations, and with adequate preparation, she hoped they will come out with flying colours. Meanwhile she said WAEC and the Ghana Education Service are well prepared for the exercise. Invigilators have also been well briefed, with all papers and necessary logistics dispatched to the appropriate quarters, she noted. Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana