Whiteman sets the record straight

Whiteman

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE RESULTS of the 2001 GSAT have generated quite a bit of discussion in the general public. The discussion has revealed a number of misunderstandings and has brought a number of legitimate concerns to the fore.

Michael Johnson's letter of July 4, 2001 "GSAT questions for Minister Whiteman" is indicative of this.

Response to article

"GSAT questions for Minister Whiteman"

The issues raised by the writer seem to be:

1) What is the pass mark or grade a child has to attain to get his/her first choice?

2) Is there a bias in favour of children attending Primary Schools to be granted their first choice?

3) The basis of award of scholarships

In response to the first issue, there is no pass or fail mark as the examination is an achievement, which seeks to assess the level of attainment of the curriculum objectives.

Places are awarded on the basis of the performance of the child, and the availability of places in the desired institutions given the competitive nature of the selection.

The students who scores highest will most likely get his/her choice of school and those scoring at lower levels less likely to so do.

However, since 1999 the level of performance in the examination has improved overall so that many more students are achieving average scores of above 80. This makes it more difficult for every child to be awarded his/her choices.

On the matter of the award of scholarships, it must be stated that there are a set number of the Government scholarships, which are for Primary School students only.

All of the others are open to candidates of both preparatory and primary schools.

It should also be borne in mind that many parents have their own biases and regard some traditional high schools as 'mediocre', a description, which may bear little relevance to the levels of achievements of the institution.

It is this misconception which often guides parents into making choices for institutions seen as 'most highly desirable' forcing higher levels of achievement from the children and which often results in frustration when they are not achieved.

I am, etc.,

BURCHELL WHITEMAN

Minister of Education,

Youth and Culture

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