Latest update January 14th, 2025 1:23 AM
The timing of the National Grade Assessment is misplaced
Dear Editor,
Mathematics is one of the major subjects taught in our schools and the teaching of it is of paramount importance. This particular subject plays a major role in daily life. Therefore, there is a fundamental need to teach Mathematics in schools. Mathematics is a challenge for many, so one may ask the question; “Why teach Mathematics?” or “How can learners have acceptable grades for this subject?”
There are many reasons why we teach the subject Mathematics. Some of these reasons are: It opens the door for many promising career paths, e.g. scientists, engineers etc. It is a requirement of the Ministry of Education -timetabled subject. It is a major requirement to gain entry into universities and colleges. It allows learners to be critical thinkers through problem- solving and many more.
However, for the past years Guyana has failed to attain acceptable pass grades particularly at the National Grade Six Assessment, for this major subject. What can be the possible reason(s) for this consistent failure?
The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) over the years and at present is being written in the months of March or April which would often be in the second term of the school year. This is ONE major factor contributing to the failure of our children in the Grade six classes throughout our country.
In my view, teachers are not given adequate time to deliver the curriculum. A curriculum is so designed and planned with various concepts for an entire school year. It is impossible for a teacher in the Grade six class to deliver the entire curriculum for five (5) hours a day in 7-8 months time. Why is it that work planned for the entire school year has to be delivered in less time?
All the other National Examinations are written in the August Term of the school year during the month of June. Why is the National Grade Six Assessment the only exception? The time is too limited to deliver the curriculum in its entirety during normal working hours and I strongly feel that this policy needs to be revisited so that the NGSA be written in the month of June like every other National Examinations.
Also, when these pupils write the NGSA in the months of March or April most of them do not make attendances for the final term and we as educators would place emphasis on the importance of attending school regularly yet, our system is designed in such a way that pupils stay away from school. I wish to emphasize, should this examination be written in the final term of the school year teachers would have adequate time to effectively deliver the curriculum and at the same time children would attend school regularly. Mr. Editor, I will be profoundly grateful if the authorities can have this policy revamped and reschedule this National Grade Six Assessment to a later time in the school year.
Ashan Bacchus
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