The results of the primary grade assessments are going to be centrally computerised, to ensure transparency and objectivity in the allocation of places at secondary schools.
In a written response to a question posed by PNCR-1G MP Amna Ally in the National Assembly, Education Minister Shaik Baksh said the performance of pupils would be recorded in an electronic database and the aggregate scores from the national examinations would be used to determine allocation to secondary schools. Baksh also revealed that the Grade Two Assessment accounts for 5% of the aggregate; Grade Four for 10%; and Grade Six for 85%.
On April 11 and 12, pupils aged 11+ will sit the Grade Six Assessment for the first time, having completed the Grade Two and Grade Four assessments earlier in their school careers.
Meanwhile, Ally also asked about the regularisation of staffing in schools. Baksh said it remains at various stages, while explaining that it is based on the appropriate student-teacher ratios and is continuously being monitored. He also said that each year vacancies are advertised and efforts are made to fill existing shortages based on the staffing complement of schools and the willingness and availability of teachers to teach in Hinterland areas.
In response to a query about the aid in 2006 for the Basic Education Access and Management Support (BEAMS) project, Baksh said US$5,592,752 was made available through a loan by the Inter-American Development bank (IDB). BEAMS is aimed at raising the quality of basic education in Guyana, by specifically trying to improve literacy and numeracy attainment, especially in the most underserved or impoverished regions.
