THE Ministry of Education says all is in place for the sitting of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), which will be administered to primary-age children on Thursday, March 17 and Friday March 18, 2016 at 1090 centres across the island.

The ministry, in correspondence from Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean, which was sent to its regional directors, principals and board chairman at all primary-level institutions, said timetables for the exam have been dispatched to the regional offices, and asked principals to contact their respective regions to collect them.

“Please be reminded that to be eligible to sit the GSAT 2016, students must be of the stipulated age and must have mastered the Grade Four Literacy Test,” the chief education officer said.

She said that queries regarding timetables are to be directed to the regional office no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. “When making queries, please state the student’s full name, date of birth, (day, month and year) and the school at which the student attained mastery of the Grade 4 Literacy Test, and ERN.”

School administrators were also reminded that the directive not to close for the sitting of the Grade 6 Achievement Test 2016, as outlined in Bulletin 59/2015, still stands, with closure recommended only if there are severe challenges with space, convenience and suitability of rooms and appropriate seating.

“You are therefore being advised to prudently assess the situation in your institution to determine whether closure is inevitable, and advise your supervisory education officer of the circumstances influencing this decision,” the chief education officer said.

Academic staff and parents were also encouraged to continue to take an active interest in the students’ preparation for the examination while the ministry ensures that all systems are in place for a smooth administration.