After years of dismal performances by children in the hinterland regions, there has been a significant boost in the number of students who gained 50 per cent or more pass rate at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
This was revealed by Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, on Friday when the 2017 NGSA results were announced.
Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson
Hutson pointed out that while children from the hinterland schools may not be among the top one per cent, the number of children gaining higher pass rates has significantly increased, particularly in the core subject area of Mathematics.
To this end, he revealed that last year, Region One (Barima-Waini) had only six children who were able to obtain 50 per cent or more pass rate in Maths but this figure went up to 172 in 2017.
Similarly, only 93 students from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) got 50 per cent or more in 2016 compared to 328 students this year who passed the 50 per cent mark in the core subject. This trend was seen in the other regions such as Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) with just one child last year against 62 this year who gained 50 per cent or more, and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 13 in 2016 compared against 157 in 2017.
According to Hutson, this upward trend was seen in all the subject areas and not just Maths.
Hutson added too that this shift in the hinterland performance is a start on a long road ahead. Nevertheless, he said, the Education Ministry will continue to push what is working to ensure these figures improve going forward.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Nicolette Henry reflected on the poor performance of hinterland regions last year, adding that she was dismayed and recognised the need for actions to be taken to change this.
“I was surprised when I saw no male had passed Mathematics in Region Eight in 2016 and so I asked for data for the past 10 years so I can look at the trend so that I can see what the performance was like and so we have taken steps,” she asserted.
The Education Minister said she met with the Regional Education Officer to talk about the region’s performance. Henry said she is looking for performance, and as such, the Ministry has been implementing several measures.
Minister Henry further stated that while these hinterland students may not gain spots in the top secondary schools, the focus will be on getting them into schools where they will be able to realise their full potential.
At this year’s NGSA examination, Korey DeCosta of Santa Rosa Primary obtained 492 marks to top Region One and secured a spot at the Santa Rosa Secondary. With 504 marks and a placement at St Stanislaus College, Romain Downer of St John The Baptist Primary topped Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Meanwhile, Region Eight’s top student is Rajendra Dalchan of Monkey Mountain Primary, who secured 480 marks and was given a spot at Paramakatoi Secondary. St Ignatius Primary’s Vidyani Campbell topped Region Nine with 507 and secured a spot at St Stanislaus College.
Additionally, a total of 291 students from schools in Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and 10 are eligible for entry into President’s College. The school offers residential spots to students from these schools, including Region Eight, who have attained scores of 485 marks and above.
