KINGSTON, Jamaica — Education Minister Ronald Thwaites is reporting a seven per cent increase for mathematics in this year’s sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Speaking to OBSERVER ONLINE on Thursday, Thwaites said while this is so, there has been a substantial plummet in the passes for science-related subjects and a one per cent decrease in English language.

Thwaites expressed deep concern over the declines and has indicated that in the near future, there will be a “renewed focus on ensuring that teachers are more equipped and competent in these subject areas”.

Last week, senior advisor to the minister Dr Franklin Johnston urged students to ensure that they master the English language. “This is one skill which demonstrates their competence in many areas,” Johnston had said.

In the meantime, the education minister said the general results have taken an upward curl for the better.

He said that 133,171 students or 71 per cent were awarded grades 1-3 in this year’s CSEC exams.

Students can access their CSEC results on the Caribbean Examinations Council official website portal tonight at 9:00 pm.

Marc Risden