As the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) are released, students are displaying immense pride in their outstanding performances.
In the face of challenges, these students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education, and have navigated the pressures of academic rigour, balanced extracurricular activities, and adapted to the new norms of learning brought about by the global pandemic.
Equally deserving of commendation are the teachers, parents, and guardians, who have each played a role in guiding and supporting these students throughout their educational journey.
The results of these examinations are not just numbers on a paper; they represent the dreams and aspirations of young people. As they celebrate their success, though, the results also reveal a troubling trend, where approximately two-thirds of students who took CSEC mathematics across the Caribbean this year failed the exam. With a pass rate of just 36%, a decrease from the previous year’s 43%, the situation demands urgent attention.
The consistent struggle with CSEC Mathematics underscores a broader issue within the region’s education system. Despite slight improvements in other subjects and a general rise in pass rates over recent years, the significant drop in Math performance is particularly alarming. This challenge is compounded by the fact that only 4.9% of students achieved five or more passes, including in English and Mathematics, which is crucial for employability.
CXC CEO/Registrar Dr Wayne Wesley, at the release of the results, said: “So we are in very challenging times…we need to give greater attention to English and Math…we have to sit down and address the serious problem of human capital impacting the region.”
Education stakeholders, including the CXC and national education ministers, have recognised the need for reform. The introduction of new strategies, such as enhanced use of artificial intelligence and targeted interventions, is a positive step. However, these measures must be swiftly implemented to address the root causes of the problem, including potential deficiencies in teaching methods and curriculum design.
As policymakers and educators across the region deliberate on solutions, it is crucial to focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that address the specific needs of students. Collaborative efforts to revamp the curriculum, improve teacher training, and enhance student support mechanisms are essential.
Here, in Guyana, as was reported by this publication on Wednesday, in light of consistently declining performances by students in a number of critical subject areas, the Government will soon implement a new appraisal instrument in schools to ensure teachers’ performances are strictly monitored and evaluated.
A breakdown of Guyana’s performance provided by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain revealed that Guyana’s overall pass rates in the 2024 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination slightly declined from 67.37 per cent in 2023 to 63.23 per cent in 2024.
The current situation should serve as a wake-up call. There must be a collective commitment across the region to address these educational challenges in order to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. By tackling these issues head-on, the officials would strengthen the region’s educational foundation for future generations. The importance of continuing to invest in education in the region must be recognized, as this would ensure that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
