Preparations ongoing for NGSA, CSEC students to return to school

The Ministry of Education on Tuesday said schools across the country commenced preparations for exam students to return to school on June 15.

The students who will be writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination in July-August are required to return to schools on Monday.

In addition to the public health protocols that will be implemented in all schools, cleaners across the country are undergoing training in Infection Prevention and Control Practice all to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Education Ministry closed schools across the country on March 16th, 2020 with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Education announced on June 2nd 2020, that beginning June 8th, teachers and auxiliary staff will return to schools.

This is to facilitate the adequate and correct preparation of schools as is outlined in the gazetted and published examination order.

According to the order, all schools are required to have: appropriate sanitation stations including adequate water supply and soap, a sick bay area, floor signage and markings indicating physical distance of approximately six feet apart and a designated waiting area.

Students will be required to wear masks and their temperature will be tested.

This year NGSA will be written on July 1st and 2nd, while CSEC and CAPE will be administered from July 13th 2020- August 4th 2020.

The Guyana Teachers Union and the Amerindian People’s Association have raised concerns about the dates noting that students are not prepared to sit the examinations while the COVID-19 still poses a threat to their health and that of teachers.