| – Public schools in Regions One, Seven and Eight for close attentionConsultations between the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) are in the making to help improve the results of the secondary school entrance assessment – the National Grade SixFrom left: Director of NCERD, Ms Jennifer Cumberbatch; Exams Superintendent, Sauda Kadir; Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, who presented the 2015 NGSA results.Assessment (NGSA). This strategic move is coming at a time when not only Georgetown schools are dominating the top one per cent at the NGSA, but private schools are producing a significant number of these exceptional performers.Moreover, Minister of Education,Air Max Zero Sale, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, on Thursday disclosed plans to consult with the Regional Examination body in order to improve the National Grade Two Assessment (NGTA), the National Grade Four Assessment (NGFA) and NGSA.Currently the ascension to secondary schools require that five per cent of each candidate’s NGTA score in Mathematics and English and 10 per cent of the NGFA score in the same subjects be added to 85 per cent of each candidate’s NGSA score in the same subject areas. The combined scores in Mathematics and English are added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies.And it is the expectation of the Minister that the move to consult with CXC will help build capacity with a view of improving pupils’ performances not only nationally but at a Regional level.The Minister made reference to the plan to consult following disclosures by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam,Nike Air Vapor Max Flyknit Women, that while there have been improved performances in Mathematics,Cheap Nike Air Max 90 Mens, Science and Social Studies there is evidence to suggest that the performance in English Language has declined. Candidates are assessed in the four subject areas in order to be appropriately placed at the secondary level.And Sam on Thursday revealed that the performances of all Regions, with the exception of Regions One,Nike NFL Jerseys China, Seven and Eight, have been reflected in the top one per cent of the 2015 NGSA.He in so disclosing admitted that the Ministry has noted and will continue to focus on a clear difference in relation to the performances derived at hinterland and coastal schools. “At all levels there is work to be done to improve our output in the hinterland regions,” said Sam, as he pointed out that “regions One, Seven and Eight certainly requires attention and focus and certainly from our initial discussions with Minister (Roopnaraine) it is something he has a strong opinion on. Certainly we will devise a clear strategy how we will move (forward) our agenda that we have already initiated…”Sam has however assured that quite a bit has already been done by the Ministry to improve the educational output in the named Regions and “I am certain that we will increase our strategies and output in relations to that because it is a critical part of our national strategic plan.”Different practicesAnd in light of the perceived better performances yielded by the private primary schools, this publication queried of Sam whether the Ministry would consider collaborating with private schools with a view of adopting their success-driven approaches. The CEO in his response admitted that the public education system does not have the latitude to practice some of the things the private schools employ. “We have said this time and time again that we have recognised that there are differences with regards to the approaches but I think when one looks at what happens at the secondary level we can see a direct reverse of the realities that we noted at the primary level.”His comments, which were forthcoming during the presentation of the 2015 NGSA results on Thursday at the National Centre for Education Resource Development, were mirrored by that of the Education Minister.Sam intimated that “I don’t think that there is value in us debating which is better – private or public. I think…we need to look at schools specifically to see what things they are doing and what works.” According to the CEO too,Undefeated Air Max 97 Australia, the Education Ministry has in the past engaged private institutions in having discussions on many approaches and strategies, and attempts have been made to compile the best practices so that all schools have the opportunity to excel.In the meantime, Sam said that the Ministry is giving kudos to institutions that have been able to dominate the top one per cent for the past few years and might continue to do so. He nevertheless noted that support will be continually directed to the public institutions in their drive to improve performance.The 2015 NGSA results saw the privately operated Success Elementary Primary school claiming the two top spots (Solomon Cherai – 530 marks and Shania Eastman – 529 marks) and 23 more places in the top one per cent. Among the other outstanding private schools in the top one per cent are: the New Guyana School, ISA Islamic, Al Ghazali Islamic Academy,Cheap Air Max Tn Shoes, Marian Academy, School of the Nations, Mae’s Under 12, Camille’s Institute and the Academy of Excellence.Last year it was Jorrel DeSantos of the privately operated New Guyana School who was named the top performer with a score of 533. The previous year it was Salma Majeed, a pupil of yet another private school, the ISA Islamic Academy, who copped the top spot with a score of 548. A year earlier it was a private school (Mae’s) pupil, Sachin Ghir, who took the lead with a score of 547. Sharing the coveted top spot that year was Michael Bhopaul of Graham’s Hall primary. |
