The Virgin Islands achieved an impressive 100% pass rate in twelve subjects at this year’s Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, representing a 200% increase over 2022.
Additionally, the Virgin Islands accomplished a pass rate of 90 – 99% in eight CXC subjects.
Minister for Education, the Honourable Share de Castro, presented the 2023 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination results in a recent sitting of the House of Assembly.
The Minister highlighted the performance of students in English A, stating, “Two hundred and four students wrote the CSEC English An examination. It gives me pleasure to announce that the Territory achieved a 92.6% pass rate, in which 89 students attained a Grade I pass, 64 students – a Grade II pass and 38 students – a Grade III pass.”
The Virgin Islands also produced a pass rate of 80-89% in two CXC subjects: Electronic Document Preparation and Management, and Information Technology. The Minister praised these results as a testament to the consistent hard work of teachers and students.
The Minister stressed, “This examination is a significant milestone in our students’ educational journey as it provides a firm foundation as they move on to studies in higher education.” She added, “Despite the unique challenges brought about by the ongoing global pandemic, our students have risen above and beyond, showing commendable results in the CSEC exams.”
However, the Minister also acknowledged areas that require attention and improvement, particularly Mathematics, in which the Virgin Islands attained a 46.6% pass rate. She announced plans to remediate the challenges identified with mathematics, including the establishment of a Math Revitalization Committee and professional development sessions at schools in the territory.
The Ministry has also created two new positions for instructional coaches, specializing in mathematics. These coaches will observe, coach, and train teachers to increase their competency in teaching mathematics and to analyze student assessment data and develop intervention programmes.