SEA rewrite the right way to go

The Minister of Education has explained that students who did not score above 30 per cent in the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination will rewrite the exam and be given additional support to ensure their success. I say well done.

Far too long we have placed so much emphasis on a child “passing for a school” that we have neglected to think about whether the child is ready or not. Maybe the child has some learning challenges. Maybe the child just needs some additional help at home or at school.

The additional time the child now has to rewrite the SEA exam will provide the opportunity to find out.

I would hate to think students are made to sit lost in a Form One classroom rather than to return to the primary school to be better prepared for the level of work to come.

I perused the SEA Information Booklet 2017 and noted that the ministry took the time to explain the need for a resit and even offered information about the availability of counselling if the parents or students should need it.

The ministry is making strides towards the enhancement and holistic development of our children.

But are we as a country ready to accept that not all our children perform at the same level and sometimes additional support is needed? I wait to see.

JENNY BOURNE Diego Martin