Guyana records improved performance at CSEC, CAPE – Maintains regional tops

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic which has forced students to pursue virtual learning, Guyana has seen improved performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CSEC).

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson at a press conference on Wednesday noted that “the overall pass rate at CAPE in 2020 is 93.16%. An increase was noted in the candidates securing grades 1 and 2 passes.”

As it relates to CSEC for which 12009 students were registered, improved performances were recorded in 15 subject areas.

“An analysis of the 2020 results revealed that the overall pass rate at the General and Technical proficiencies for Grades One to Three was 75.99%. The overall pass rate has improved from 2019 where a pass rate of 73% was attained,” the CEO said.

Improvements were seen in Mathematics, English, Agriculture Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Science, Economics, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Electronic Documentation Preparation and Management, Visual Arts, Industrial Technology, Food and Nutrition among others.

The country’s top students have also achieved first places at the regional level, according to Minister of Education Priya Manickchand.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Manickchand said “I’d like to say Guyana topped the region –that’s the whole CARICOM region at CAPE and that top student is Zane Ramotar from Queen’s College and we topped the region also at the level of CSEC and that student is Bhedesh Persaud.”

The top two students in each case will be given Presidential Awards.

Ramotar was also awarded Best regional while Persaud was awarded Best Science Student (CSEC). Guyana also copped Best student in the Technical Vocation area (CSEC) in the person of Anthony Sukra from the New Amsterdam Secondary. In addition Niron Seokenandan from the St. Roses High School copped Best Business Performer (CSEC).