THE recently released results of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) have brought encouraging news, marking a notable step forward in the academic performance of our young learners. At the heart of these improvements are increases in the pass rates for Mathematics, Social Studies, and English, signalling a positive trend in our education system’s efficacy.

During the announcement ceremony, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Dr. Nicole Manning, Director of Operations at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) highlighted the most significant achievements.
A particularly pleasing outcome is the increase in the percentage of pupils earning 50 per cent or more in Mathematics, rising to 40.36 per cent from last year’s 39.87 per cent. This figure represents the highest pass rate in Mathematics over the past five years, a commendable milestone for both Guyana and the broader Caribbean region, where Mathematics performance has historically been challenging.

Equally noteworthy is the performance in Social Studies, with 62.88 per cent of the children scoring over 50 per cent, a substantial improvement from previous years. The pass rate for English also saw an impressive rise to 66.79 per cent, the highest recorded in the last five years. These gains are a testament to the focussed efforts of educators and the strategic initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Education.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand acknowledged these achievements, while emphasising the need for sustained and consistent improvements. She pointed out that while any positive movement is welcome, there remains much work to be done to ensure that the teaching-learning process is continually enhanced and supported by adequate resources. The Minister stressed the importance of training and retraining teachers, providing necessary materials like textbooks, and ensuring effective supervision to maintain the momentum of progress.

A notable aspect of this year’s assessment is the slight reduction in the number of pupils receiving zero in Mathematics, a positive indicator of a broader uplift in foundational skills. Additionally, this year’s introduction of a Spanish cohort, with several candidates taking their exams in Spanish, reflects the expanding linguistic diversity and inclusivity in our education system.

However, the results also revealed areas needing attention. The pass rate for Science saw a marginal decrease from 55.11 per cent to 54 per cent, reminding us that continuous efforts are required to balance achievements across all subjects.
Minister Manickchand announced an upcoming comprehensive Mathematics intervention aimed at further improving results. Starting in September, this initiative will primarily target secondary education, but will also incorporate foundational efforts at the primary level, ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing mathematical competence from an early age.

As 15,285 candidates from across Guyana sat the NGSA exams this year, the highest possible total score stood at 504.24, with the top one per cent of pupils securing places at prestigious institutions like Queen’s College. This year’s cut-off scores for various schools have been published, with Queen’s College leading at 495.45.

The upward trends in Mathematics, Social Studies, and English are a cause for celebration, and reflect the effectiveness of recent educational reforms. However, they also underscore the need for continuous investment in education, vigilant monitoring of teaching effectiveness, and consistent support for both pupils and teachers.

While the journey towards educational excellence is ongoing, these incremental improvements at the NGSA are a promising indicator of the potential for sustained progress in Guyana’s education system. With continued dedication and strategic interventions, there is hope for even greater achievements in the future, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.