Oscar Pinelo obtained the highest marks in his class at Island Academy, with 86.75% of an overall 100%. This score is also the top score for the island.

    The island schools represented and the top scoring students were: The Island Academy (5 total, highest score: Oscar Pinelo – 86.75%, 5 passed), New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School (15 total, highest score – Enrick Jones - 78%, 12 passed, 3 failed), Maestro Reyes’ School of Knowledge (18 total, highest score: Ernesto Gomez – 84.25%, 9 passed, 9 failed), San Pedro Roman Catholic School (31 total, highest score: Vicky Balam – 79%, 28 passed, 3 failed), Isla Bonita Elementary (5 total, highest score: Allison Nunez – 70%, 5 passed) and St. Peters Elementary (12 total, highest score: Jackie Gonzalez – 62.1%, 4 passed, 8 failed), Lydia’s Institute of Fine Education (9 total, highest score: Raquel Badillo – 74%, 5 passed, 4 failed).

    The highest overall score countrywide this year was achieved by Tina Shen of Belize Elementary School of Belize City, who got 379 out of 400 possible points or 95%. Coming in second was Mischa-von-Derek Aikman of Grace Primary of Belize City who got 372 out of 400 points or 93%, while third was Donovan Holder of Hummingbird Elementary of Belize City, who earned 371 out of 400 points, or 92.75%.

    Candidates that obtained the highest performance by subject area are as follows; English - Alexandria Hertular of Grace Primary School in Belize City with a total score of 96%. In Science – Wicky Cheng of Sacred Heart School in Stann Creek District, Eva Moss of Hummingbird Elementary School in Belize City, Wiebe Gordon of Linda Vista School in Orange Walk District, Joshua Smith of Mary Hill Roman Catholic School in Corozal District, all four with a score of 96%. In Social Studies – Raheem Lozano of All Saints Primary School in Belize City with a score of 98% while a perfect score in Mathematics was achieved by four candidates – Tina Shen of Belize Elementary School, Donovan Holder of Hummingbird Elementary School, Alexandria Hertular of Grace Primary School, Jason Chen of Mary Hill Primary School in the Corozal District.

    Although there were improvements in the Math and Science scores, English and Social Studies saw a fall. Most importantly, none of the subjects’ national mean percentage went above sixty, a score designated as merely satisfactory by the Exam council. National Mean Performance in English, 52.7% showed some decline in performance compared to last year’s mean performance of 55.3%. Performance of 45.7% in Mathematics showed some improved to last year’s score of 42.4%. Science also improved from 52.8% to 54.3 and Social Studies declined from 60.4% to 52.8%.

    Educational officials have had to admit that while there were some improvement in grades, overall performance in the primary school examination can be much better. The Ministry of Education is committed to working with the Managing Authority of these schools to effect the necessary changes that can influence improved performance. The Ministry strongly encourages the Managing Authorities of all schools to take an in-depth look at their individual school reports and to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their results with a view to strengthening and improving their students’ performance.

    Regardless, the students can now take a load off and relax for the summer break. They all gave it their best, and should be applauded for their efforts. Congrats to the highest scorers, you all deserve a pat in the back for a job well done. And for the students sitting the exam next year, start getting prepared as the more practice one gets the better off you will be.