WHILE declaration of the results of the highly anticipated 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) would have constructed elated spirits among pupils who sat the examination in early April, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine Thursday revealed at a press briefing that he was “not pleased” with the results. With the lack of statistical analysis to compare the performance of this year’s examination to that of last year, the media was told by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam that improvements were made in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, while a “decrease” was recorded in English Language this year.
Last year, then Education Minister, Priya Manickchand had revealed that overall improvements for that year were recorded in English, Science and Social Studies, with a decline being recorded in Mathematics.
Manickchand had explained that in 2013, 43.94 percent of the candidates secured 50 percent or more in Mathematics, as compared to 31.52 percent in 2014.
But when pressed by the media for statistical data on the “pass rate” for these subject areas by the media, the CEO noted that the examinations were not done to determine who “passed” and those who “failed” but rather it was a “placement examination” to allocate students into the secondary level of education.
The Education Minister, for his part, disclosed that he was “very happy” to have achieved what was achieved by the candidates.
“Frankly there is more to be done” he said, adding however, “No I am not satisfied and it’s not simply to say that I’m complaining,” he said.
Underscoring the importance of education to the development of any country, the minister charged that, “We can find all the oil or gold in the world…but if we don’t educate our citizens, we won’t go anywhere…we have to ensure that teachers have the best facilities and are amply rewarded.”

According to him, he believes that there is room for improvement and as such, the ministry will continue to exploit their efforts in making sure that improvement is achieved.
Gaining the top position, at this year’s NGSA with a score of 530 marks was Solomon Cherai of Success Elementary. Second position was gained by Shania Eastman also of Success Elementary with 529 marks. The third position with a score of 526 marks was shared by Celine Farinha of Peter’s Hall Primary, Shreya Persaud of Academy of Excellence (Region 3) and Isabella Hussain of Academy of Excellence (Region 3).
The highest possible standardised scores obtainable were Mathematics –138, English – 132, Social Studies- 132, and Science – 133.The highest possible total score obtainable was 535.

By Ravin Singh