The Ministry of Education has reported that all is in place for the 2015 sitting of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The test will be administered over two days; Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20. A total of 38,470 students will sit the examination in 1,112 centres across the island.

Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean said the ministry is positive that all the necessary preparations have been made.

Students will be tested on five major areas: mathematics, social studies, science, language arts and communication tasks.

McLean highlighted that provisions have been put in place for the over 200 special needs students as well as for those with other needs, such as language barriers.

McLean reminded the public that the examination is objective and students are placed based on their performance and according to their selected high school choices.

“The placement of students is largely automated and done on the basis of performance and in relation to each student’s choice,” she said.

Meanwhile, parents are being reminded to support rather than pressure the children; ensure that students are well rested and have nutritious meals.

Students are being encouraged to listen to the instructions of examiners and concentrate on completing the papers on time and be confident in their preparation.

Parents/guardians may contact the ministry’s regional offices should any issues or concerns arise.

GSAT results are expected to be published in June.