Antigua and Barbuda’s CSEC pass rate for mathematics has experienced a significant drop this year, with only 28.4 percent of students passing the subject compared to 32.6 percent in 2023.
The regional pass rate also declined from 43.4 percent in 2023 to 36.3 percent in 2024.
Despite the disappointing results, Director of Education Clare Browne remains optimistic about the future of math education in the country.
“We cannot give up hope. We must continue to try,” Browne stated in a recent interview.
The Ministry of Education has implemented various initiatives over the past year to improve math education, including mentoring and monitoring programs, professional development activities for math teachers, and several consultations with teachers, students, and the general public to gather ideas for enhancing math performance.
Browne highlighted a success story from the sister island of Barbuda, where for the first time in a long time, four students passed math, with three of them achieving top grades.
“In spite of disappointment, there are things that inspire, from which we can garner hope,” Browne said.
The Education Officer for math shared an anecdote about a student in Barbuda who, despite the prevailing notion that people don’t pass math on the island, declared, “I will be the first.”
This student’s profile revealed that he had received all A’s for mathematics.
Browne emphasized the need to continue working with students and building on the successes, however small they may be, to improve math performances across the country.
The Ministry of Education remains committed to finding effective strategies to support students and teachers in the pursuit of mathematical excellence.
