A detailed statistical report on the national exams released by the ministry of education shows improvements in 15 subject areas.
While the performances in English Language and literature remain unchanged in the Bahamas general Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), there were improvements in courses such as auto mechanics, biology, bookkeeping & accounts, chemistry, clothing construction, combined science, commerce, economics, electrical installation, food & nutrition, graphical communication, history, music, office procedures and Spanish.
There was a slight decline in students sitting the BGCSE exams this year – 381 less than 2019 with six thousand four hundred and fifty-four. It was also revealed that only 68-point 29 percent (68.29%) of candidates achieved grades A through D, compared to seventy-point one eight percent (70.18%) in 2019 and seventy-point zero five percent (70.05%) in 2018. The BGCSE National Exams are accredited by Cambridge international.
Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffery Lloyd said the Bahamas’ system is not perfect and has its share of challenges.
“I declare unequivocally that the entire examination exercise was a success. It was worth the financial, emotional, mental physical and psychological cost.
“It was a remarkable accomplishment that has clearly disappointed a fair number of naysayers. the task was what it has always been – to ensure that, upon completion of the examiner training, candidate sitting and the marking and grading of the numerous examinations, those who had opted to take them would receive valid and reliable results.
“The task has been completed because of the efforts of so many, and I stand here today to say thank you to them for their grace of giving. They took part in building a solid future for our country’s youth and ultimately in building a better future for our country” Minister Lloyd said.
Of the four thousand five hundred and forty-two students (4,542) registered for the BGCSE English exam, more than one thousand three hundred did not take it. Only one thousand two hundred and twenty-four (1,224) students sat the religious studies exam two thousand twelve (2012) were registered.
A total of 365 candidates received at least “C” in five or more subjects in 2020 compared to 760 candidates in 2019. More than ten thousand students registered and sat the BJC exams last year, compared to the 11,157 in 2019, which makes a difference of 404. The candidates came from 66 private schools and 50 government schools.
The total number of grades awarded in 2020 was 31,878 compared to 40,701 in 2019. in 2020, 62.28% of the candidature achieved grades a-d, compared to 65.54% in 2019, 66.76% in 2018, 63.80% in 2017 and 64.30% in 2016. scores in six subjects improved this year: English language, mathematics, art, craft study, family & consumer science and literature. General science remained unchanged. Seven subjects improved in 2019, a very slight difference. We would like to remind individuals that not every candidate takes every subject. Therefore, subject averages speak better to student performance than a national average.
It was reported that one student achieved 12 A’s at the BJC level. The highest number of BGCSE subjects achieved. 15 students achieved grades of a through C. One student achieved 13 A’s.
The seven-point grading scale of the BJC and BGCSE national examinations (A-G) indicates measures of positive achievement. It is not a pass-fail scale and we commend all students who took the exams and showed that their years in school had not been in vain. Across the education system, in both independent and government schools, students achieved grades ranging from A-G, all markers of positive achievement.
