CSEC pass rates higher than 2019

THE Ministry of Education has released an analysis report on the results in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

In a release issued on Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly’s Facebook page on Wednesday, the grade analysis revealed CSEC students performed better this year than in 2019, with pass rates being higher in 19 of the 34 subjects in 2020.

These subjects includes agri science, Caribbean history, electronic document preparation and management, English A, English B, family resource and management, French, human and social biology, industrial technology (building), industrial technology (electrical), industrial technology (mechanical), mathematics, music, Principals of Accounts, religious education, technical drawing, textiles, clothing and fashion and theatre arts.

The statement said, “The results (of both CSEC and CAPE) demonstrate the discipline and perseverance of our students despite the challenges presented by the covid19 pandemic.”

It said 2,500 more students wrote the CSEC exam in 2020 than in 2019. Of the students who attempted five or more subjects inclusive of Mathematics and English A, 55 per cent were successful.

Of the 8,497 candidates who registered for CAPE units one and two this year, there were more females than males. It said 32 subjects were written at both units one and two with 95 per cent achieving acceptable passes (grades one to five). Those achieving grades one, two and three were 76 per cent of the total candidates.

Arts and technology students had a positive performance rate. The statement said six subjects had an attainment rate of 100 per cent in unit two, including animation and game design, digital media, electrical and electronic engineering technology (option a), food and nutrition, performing arts (dance) and performing arts (music).

In unit one, electrical and electrical engineering technology, food and nutrition, geography and logistics and supply chain operations also attained 100 per cent pass rates.

While overall results issued by the ministry reflect a positive outcome, president of the Secondary School Principals’ Association Ronald Mootoo said many students were disappointed by their results. Mootoo said the results did not come to the schools directly, so principals were dependent on the feedback from their students.

He also said the online platform for CAPE results crashed Tuesday night and some students still have not received their results. The platform was expected to be back up by Wednesday evening.

Mootoo said many students have queries about their results, and a number of principals reported many of their top students underperformed to their surprise. He said CAPE communication and Caribbean studies students also did not perform as well as principals anticipated.