Dear Editor,
The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results are in, and our students have risen to the first demand on their dedication, aptitude, and sustained interest in learning. In this competition involving the young for academic honours, many of Guyana’s children did very well, some filled up the middle ranks, and others made the grade. I extend a hand to them for their effort, their parents for doing their part, and their teachers for patiently sticking close to them. Though the numbers could always be bettered, circumstances more helpful, the little ones made us proud. The children at the Marian Academy featured inspiringly, with top performers, and others right in the middle of a tightly competitive pack.
There can be no dispute, nor any discussion that pushes back, that the NGSA students whose parents could manage to send them to private schools led the way. Assets and resources had their part to play, and clearly, they counted in the bigger picture. With education identified as a key determinant of where this society will be positioned, 5 to 10 years from now, (when these NGSA students begin to make their contributions), there is considerable work to be done to narrow the gap between private and public schools, between urban and distant centres, and between who can afford versus who must make do with what their circumstances permit. Most of the Marian Academy NGSA students made good use of the exceptional advantages that they enjoyed. A supportive and focused environment, devoted teachers, and parents and guardians (and others) who were tireless in the energies that they gave, even when it required great effort to do so, on occasion. The Marian Academy NGSA numbers speak their own language, and they generate their own vocabulary of tributes. A quick peek should serve to confirm.
The school recorded an overall percentage of 91.88%, with the much-watched subjects of English and Mathematics registering average results of 95% and 88% respectively. Those do stand out; and with Social Studies and Science coming in at 94% and 92% in that order. Forty percent of the students sitting for the NGSA fitted into the 95-99% bracket, and another 36% between 90-94%. This is a remarkable 76% of Marian’s NGSA students scoring 90% or over in the slate of subjects examined. Almost as impressive, a further 14% fell into the 85-89% range. In aggregate 90% of the Marian Academy students performed at the 85% and above level. Seven students qualified for Queen’s College, and another three are eligible for The Bishops’ High School. A moment of commendation is offered. It ought to be a long one.
At the individual level, Jayin Kissoon (98.94%), Jonathan Singh (98.55%), Shania Mangal (97.72%), and Jahdal Brotherson (97.62%) were superb, with possibly Queen’s College as the next stop in their academic journey. A handful of others from Marian are now poised to take their places at the Bishops’ High, St Stanislaus College, St Rose’s High, and other prime spots in Guyana’s educational firmament. They must all continue to hold their own with excellence and unflagging energy. May they and all their peers who participated in this 2024 NGSA lead the charge, set examples for others to follow. Our children are the ones with the numbers and who attract the accolades. Such are well deserving. Meanwhile, let us remember the long nights, the daily trek, that parents and teachers, and the battalions of unnamed and unknown helpers endured. They all gave of themselves quietly, so that the children could be better for it. I think that they did so in this their first test in these early stages of their lives; another one begins. The hope and prayer are that they and those who did not do as highly, will grow in stature and assist this country to build the capacity so urgently required in so many areas.
Before leaving, there is a little something that must be shared. We (not they) must figure out a way to lift the other young ones up, those who missed a step, and lost a mark here and there, and more than Guyana afford. May success visit any such undertaking. Best wishes to all as they continue. To God be the glory.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
