CAPE results released, South students lauded for their successes

The usual emotional extremes displayed by students when they received their Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE) results were mostly absent yesterday as many students saw their grades online. Several principals reported there was only a trickle of students arriving at schools yesterday to collect their results. At Naparima College, San Fernando, however, one group of students was celebrating their exam successes. Vindel Ramsundar, who was ecstatic after getting five distinctions, said he felt excited and satisfied his hard work had paid off. “I was confident. I had many sleepless nights and I am relieved that everything is done and over with,” he said.Ramsundar plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. His friend, Amrit Sahadeo, was equally thrilled as he received six grade “A” passes with four distinctions. “It was plenty of stress but in the end it was worth it. I feel so relaxed and happy,” he said.

Principal Dr Michael Dowlath lauded his students’ efforts and boasted the school had achieved a 98 per cent pass rate, including 100 per cent passes in mathematics and science subjects with more students getting Grade “As” compared to last year. However, Dowlath admitted there was need for improvement in the English Language results. He added: “Our school has 40 extra-curricular activity groups in which many of our Form Six students are engaged and yet they were able to perform admirably. “People talk about male under-achievement and I think we have been able to break that barrier.” Principal of ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando, Yasmin Rahaman-Singh, commended her students and said the school had achieved a 99 per cent pass rate.

“This year we saw big improvements in management of business, economics and applied mathematics but biology has dropped a bit,” she said. At St Stephen’s College, Princes Town, principal Allison Sarjeant said her students performed well and she expected some of them to get scholarships. She said while the Upper Six students excelled in all subject areas, the Lower Six left room for improvement. Gemma Blades, acting vice principal of Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive, said the school obtained 100 per cent passes in more than ten subject areas, with improvements in business studies and sciences. Principal of Naparima Girls’ High School, Patricia Ramgoolam, said they were all elated by the results. “Our results are comparable to former years,” she said, adding that a family and team spirit contributed to the school’s continued academic success.