IGCSE October/November 2020 – Performance of students from public schools |29 January 2021

55% of candidates achieve grade C and above

Even though 55% might seem small, state schools have indeed seen a 17% increase in the number of students who have scored grade C and above in the IGCSE exams sat in October/November last year.

The S5 student population in 2020 was 1131 compared to 1081 in 2019 which denotes a rise of 4.6% in that population.

This was revealed by Kevil Telemaque, chief assessment officer of IGCSE, in a press conference held yesterday at the Site (Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education) auditorium in the presence of the principal secretary, Dr Odile Decommarmond.

“The total number of S5 students enrolled for the IGCSE examinations, in at least one subject, in 2020 was 703 compared to 632 in 2019. This number represents 62% of that population and an increase of 11.2%, in enrolment, over the previous year. Even with the ongoing pandemic we have seen better results and this might be because the students were less distracted and focused in their studies,” he explained.

The percentage of students scoring grade C or higher in IGCSE subjects in 2020 was 55% compared to 38.9% in 2019. This shows an increase of 15.1%. In 2019 students scored grade C or better only in First Language English Examination. However, the results of 2020 show that students scored 50% grade C or better in 7 out of the 11 subjects. This points to a significant increase in the percentage of grades obtained at C or better, exceeding the set target of 50% C or better.

“The target of the Ministry of Education last year was to bring the grade C or above passing rate to 50% and now that we have achieved that, we will continue to focus on the core subjects (languages and mathematics). Most subjects – 7 out of 11 – have recorded an increase in pass rate and we wish to continue on the same path,” added Mr Telemaque.

S4 students’ achievements

In 2020, 104 students enrolled for English as a second language compared to 80 in 2019. The percentage of students scoring grade C or better was 86% which is at par to that obtained in 2019. Table 3 shows the S4 students’ performance in 2020.

High achievers

It is always a proud moment to see our young Seychellois achieve good results. It is worth noting that 12 students scored straight ‘A’s in three or more IGCSE subjects.

They are:

• Jayant Jayesh Gondariya with 7 A* from Anse Boileau secondary;

• Carl Eric Joseph Gedeon with 2 A* and 5 A from Pointe Larue secondary;

• Nathalia Phoebe Joseph Pillay with 5 A* and 1 A from English River;

• Kimberly Antoinette MweBarbe with 3 A* and 1 A from Beau Vallon secondary;

• Alissa Dogley with 1 A* and 2 A from Anse Boileau secondary;

• Daine, Shaun, Immanuel Hibonne with 4 A from Plaisance secondary;

• Jacob Emmanuel Isnard with 2 A* and 1 A from Anse Boileau secondary;

• Aswin Sathiyamoorthy with 5 A* from Belonie School;

• Christie Valentina Rath with 2 A* and 2 A from Mont Fleuri secondary;

• Ronneesha Sheeran Uranie with 2 A* and 2 A from English River;

• Sean Nathaniel Mutinda Oduor with 2 A* and 1 A from Pointe Larue secondary;

• Anicka Louis with 3 A from Anse Boileau secondary.

Seychelles NATION congratulates the high achievers and all those who have succeeded in their exams. May you keep shining and make Seychelles a proud NATION!

Vidya Gappy