Dear Editor,
I join with all in offering heartiest congratulations to all the successful candidates in the CSEC and CAPE examinations offered in May/June 2013. Their stellar performances speak volumes for focus, commitment and dedication to their studies. The support mechanisms attributable to all related played no small a part in these performances.
In reporting the statistics with regard to CAPE, I wish to point out that unlike CSEC examinations CAPE is a two-part examination offered over two academic years, viz. Unit 1 and Unit 2 taken in year one and year two respectively. Each year is separately certified for the particular subjects offered by candidates. In addition, some candidates re-sit subjects pertaining to Unit 1 in year two to improve on the unsatisfactory grades previously obtained. The total of Grade Ones obtained may be misrepresented if a distinction is not made between Unit 1 taken in year one and re-sit subjects for which a candidate would have had two chances at offering the subject.
It would be an injustice to report favourably that Student A secured 6 Grade Ones, which may be Unit 1 or Unit 2 but included re-sit/s against Student B who secured 5 Grade Ones, and who in fact secured that grade for subjects taken in Unit 2 and included no re-sits.
Let us make sure we recognize and applaud our students fairly.
Yours faithfully,
R Mahadeo
