Pass rate at primary schools down 5%

Statistics from the state tests for primary education (GLO) indicate that the pass rate has dropped with about 5% to 56.14%. Last year 60.85% of the students who took the state tests passed and graduated to go to schools for secondary education junior level (Mulo) and schools for lower vocational education (LBO). Statistics from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (OWC) indicate that 10,805 pupils took the state tests this year. The results were announced nationwide on Wednesday. The Nickerie District had the highest pass rate for 6 consecutive years and this year 68.07% of 69.22% graduated to go Mulo. The Commewijne District took second place with 68.77%. 66.5% of the pupils in the Commewijne District will go to a Mulo school while the rest will go to a LBO school. Saramacca took third place with 66.03%. 63.71% of the graduates will receive secondary education at junior level. The Wanica District reportedly ranks 4th with 57.91%. 54.55% of those students will go to a Mulo school. The Sipaliwini District reporetdly has the lowest pass rate for the 3rd time in a row. This year only 31.85% of the pupils passed the state tests. 27.13% of the students will head to the Mulo while the rest will attend classes at the LBO. Last year 36.78% of the students from the Sipaliwini District graduated. 57.94% of the 4,417 pupils who took the state tests in Paramaribo graduated for Mulo. The districts Para and Coronie each have a pass rate of 42%.

The Marowijne District has a pass rate of 37.34% and the Brokopondo District 33.99%. The students, parents and teachers at OS Maretraite were all smiles on Wednesday. 97% of the 6th graders at this public primary school reportedly passed. 85% will head for the Mulo while 5% will go to the LBO. This year OS Maretraite had 4 of the nation’s best graduates and 2 Go GLOers. Each graduate received a diploma and a parcel with school supplies. Ria Wolfram, principal at this school, pointed out that it was a successful year. “I am very proud of my students,” she said. “I want to become a physician and I am now one step closer to making my dream come true,” said one of the graduates.