The Ministry of Education commends all students on their performance in the May/ June 2019 CXC examinations. In particular, the Ministry congratulates those students of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School who achieved acceptable grades in the various subject areas at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC). Deepest gratitude is extended to all teachers involved in preparing the students for the examinations. The Ministry acknowledges and appreciates the work and dedication of those teachers who went beyond the call of duty to ensure that the students were prepared even though class times have been reduced as a result of the shift system. The efforts of parents and other persons in providing extra support for the students are also appreciated. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child”. When home, school and community work together for the benefit of our children, success is almost guaranteed.
As regards students who may not have achieved their desired grades, the Ministry of Education also uses this opportunity to remind those students and their parents, that this is not the end. Grades do not define a person or his/her potential to excel in his/her chosen field. This temporary setback paves the way for an even better comeback. Always remember, education is not a sprint – it is a lifelong process. The Ministry encourages students to continue to pursue opportunities to improve themselves one step at a time until they reach their goals. We look forward to celebrating their achievements in time to come.
TOP CAPE STUDENTS
With regard to the CAPE examinations, the Ministry is pleased that, even in difficult circumstances, the subject offerings at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School continue to be expanded to cater to the diverse student body. This year saw the addition of Financial Services as well as Logistics and Supply Chain Management as CAPE subjects. Over the years, non-traditional subject areas such as Theatre Arts, Digital Media, Entrepreneurship and Tourism have been added to the CAPE offerings. This year 151 sixth form students wrote examinations at the CAPE level. Overall, 84% of the subject entries achieved acceptable grades. In 44 of the 52 units examined, 75% or more of the subject entries achieved acceptable grades. In 32 of those 44 units 100% of the subject entries received acceptable grades. It must be noted, however, that only 6.41% of the subject entries achieved Grade I. Additionally, in Integrated Mathematics and Pure Mathematics, less than 50% of the subject entries received acceptable grades.
TOP CSEC STUDENTS
At CSEC level, 32 subjects are offered at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. One hundred and sixty-nine students from the school wrote examinations at CSEC. In 21 of the subjects offered, 75% percent or more of the subject entries achieved acceptable grades. In 9 of those 21 subjects, 100% of the subject entries received acceptable grades. However, there was an overall decline in student performance compared to previous years. Overall, 74% of the subject entries achieved acceptable grades. This is the lowest for the past five years, the highest being 80% in 2016. Additionally, only 14.4% of the subject entries attained Grade I. In Mathematics and Integrated Science less than 50% of the subject entries received acceptable grades.
Almost 500 students at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School entered the CCSLC examinations. The students performed commendably with 42% of the subject entries achieving mastery, registering the best performance for the past five years. 45% of the subject entries attained the level of competent.
TOP CCSLC STUDENT
The Ministry of Education will continue its efforts to provide opportunities for students to excel in areas suited to their interest and abilities, while giving due attention to those core subject areas where there is need for improvement. In relation to Mathematics, in particular, the Ministry will continue its plans to highlight this area as a priority, with a review of the delivery of Mathematics at all levels of the education system, identification of weaknesses, research into best practice regionally and internationally, and the development and implementation of a plan of action to improve student performance. The Ministry has leveraged technical expertise in the region, over the years, to provide professional development activities for teachers focusing on the teaching of Mathematics. Such partnerships will be built on to drive improvement.
Finally, parents are also encouraged to ensure that children make good use of their time when they are not in school. With the shift system in place, students have quite a bit of free time which can be beneficial to them if used constructively. This time should be used to review and reinforce concepts taught in school, complete assignments, conduct research and deepen their understanding of the subject areas. While home, school and community support the efforts of students, it is equally important that students take responsibility for their own learning and use their free time to engage in activities which support their development.
