IT was an uphill task, but Sir Rohan Sukhall was prepared to ensure that his students at the Capoey Primary School succeed at this year’s National Grade Six Examination (NGSA).
Students at the Region Two school have underperformed for a number of years at the national exam. In fact, the last time a student of the school obtained marks to attend the main secondary schools on the Essequibo Coast was in 2002.

According to Sir Rohan, this year 15 students at the school situated on the banks of the lake sat the examination and of that number, four were able to secure passes to attend the Abram Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast.
That school is considered among the top schools in the region, having secured excellent results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams over the years.
The marks attained by Capoey Primary School students this year ranged between 420 and 455, scores which Sir Rohan attributed to a number of factors.

He said that extra lessons played a major role in the students’ improved performance, noting that one of the areas which the students spent extensive time practising was composition-writing.
According to Sir Rohan, the students were also exposed to additional practice during the school week in mathematics and he noted that this ensured that they were able to develop their mathematical skills.

This year also, it was the first time he taught at the Grade Six level, noting that there were several workshops which assisted him in his ability to prepare the students.
He said he was exposed to training workshops which were administered by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and this he noted assisted the students greatly.

In addition, he noted that the parents were supportive of the students.
At Capoey, not all homes receive electricity. Most persons utilise the services of stand-by generators or solar panels to power their devices and appliances. Some students have been undertaking their studies with the use of lamps.
Sir Rohan noted that there are several ways in which the authorities can assist the school in ensuring the students perform well in future. One such area is the introduction of a hot meals programme. The programme is usually administered by the Ministry of Education at schools across the country.

In addition, he said that the parents can play an even better role by ensuring their children attend school regularly. He said too that this parental support can do the school wonders in the future.
This year, Tisha Vancooten emerged the top student with 452 marks. She will be attending the Abram Zuil Secondary in September and her father, Quado Vancooten expressed elation at her performance.
“Sir Quado,” who also teaches on the Essequibo Coast, credited parental involvement in the performance of his daughter. He said that encouragement from parents plays a major role in students’ academic performances.