The Results of 2013 Ordinary Level Examinations, released yesterday, indicate that traditional schools are back to doing what they are known for in examinations compared to 2012 when newly established schools out-competed them.More than 93,889 candidates sat last year’s examinations, up from 81,053 candidates who sat in 2012.With 79,937 candidates who passed last year’s exams, the general pass rate in O-Level slightly increased from 84 per cent in 2012 to 85 per cent in 2013.The results also indicate that the number of girls who passed is higher than that of boys, for the second year running.In 2013, about 50,000 girls passed the exams, representing 52 per cent, while there were some 44,000 boys (47 per cent) who passed.Traditional schools are backOne of the first schools to be established on the Rwandan soil, Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux, from Nyarugenge District, regained its past glory.The school produced two best students; Christine Ashimwe and Sandra Marie Mariella Dushime, in first and second positions, respectively, among the top 10 candidates countrywide.Other traditional faith-based schools that have been appearing among the top performers over the years excelled again.Petit Seminaire Saint Leonde of Kabgayi in Muhanga District, Groupe Scolaire Notre Dame de Lourdes Byimana in Ruhango and Maranyundo Girls School in Bugesera District are back among the top 10 schools in O-Level examinations.The list also includes schools that have been improving over the years such as Ecole Secondaire Musanze, Nu Vision in Kigali and Well Spring Academy.Other schools that posted good results and have been consistent for decades include GS Officiel Butare, Lycee de Kigali, GS Kibeho and ENDP Karubanda.The list also includes upcountry schools that offer Nine-Year Basic Education. A new school remarkably making it is Mary Hill Girls School.Examination malpracticeSeveral instances of malpractices were reported in last year’s O-Level exams, officials said.At Rwimiyaga High School in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, some 139 students and three teachers were found locked in a classroom revising the Physics paper on eve of the exam, according to Education minister Vincent Biruta.The minister said although they took serious measures to curb malpractices, at the examination centre of Rwimiyaga, some envelopes containing examination papers were found open."We responded by giving candidates a different examination paper the following day. All the students in that area sat an exam different from other candidates  across the country,” said Edication minister Vincent Biruta.He said the district was expected to take measures against the implicated teachers."As for the students, their results were withheld,” he added.Selection for Senior Four students is expected on January 24 and 25 at Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux. Students can check out their results online at www.reb.rw, or visit their districts and schools.Results for last year’s A-Level exams are expected next month.