Virgin Islands students posted strong results in the June Caribbean Examinations Council Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, according to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
A total of 412 candidates from across the territory sat the exams this year, marking continued growth in participation over the past three years.
They included more than 100 eleventh graders from public secondary schools — which the ministry described as a sign of the success of its dual enrolment programme with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Pass rates
The ministry reported 100 percent pass rates in eight subjects: agricultural science; economics; French; music; principles of accounts; physical education and sport; food, nutrition and health; and family and resource management.
Another seven subjects saw pass rates between 90 and 99 percent: biology, English A, information technology, integrated science, office administration, principles of business, and visual arts.
Meanwhile, Caribbean history, chemistry, English B, physics, theatre arts, electronic document preparation and management, human and social biology, and technical drawing recorded pass rates between 80 and 89 percent.
As in the past, English A remained a standout: Students notched a 97.63 percent pass rate, up about two percent over last year and five percent over 2023 — and above the regional average, according to the ministry.
Nearly 250 students earned passes in the subject, including 95 with Grade I results.
Maths performance, where students have long struggled, also improved, the ministry stated. The territory recorded a 52.61 percent pass rate in June — about six percent higher than the previous two years and well above the regional average of 38.54 percent.
Top performers
The ministry also announced the territory’s top achievers this year:
• Jene Juliet Melody Barnwell, of BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, with10 subjects and eight Grade I passes;
• Nickalah Serrah Tyson, also of BVI Seventh-day, with nine subjects and eight Grade I passes; and
• Keischel Ruth Abad Aquino, of St. George’s Secondary School, with eight subjects and eight Grade I passes.
Student rankings are based on the total number of Grade I passes obtained during a single exam sitting, officials explained.
Phased approach
The ministry noted that public school students typically spread their CSEC exams across the final two years of secondary school.
This year, more than 40 eleventh graders sat four or more subjects, and about 60 others sat one to three.
Officials said this approach helps students manage their workload, earn college credits early, and prepare for tertiary education.
Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe praised the results, especially in English A and mathematics.
“Our students have once again demonstrated that with perseverance, discipline and the right support, excellence is within reach,” Ms. Crabbe said.
Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro congratulated students, parents and teachers.
“These results not only reflect academic achievement but also the strength of our schools and the dedication of teachers who continue to go above and beyond for the future of our children,” she said.
British Caribbean News
