KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Education is today reporting that more than 39,129 students will sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) this week in 1090 centres across the island. This is an increase of 659 students over last year.

The examinations for Mathematics and Social Studies will be held on Thursday, while Language Arts, Communication Task and Science will be held on Friday.

The number of male students confirmed to sit the examination is 18,875, while the number of females is 20,254. Among the candidates sitting the examination are approximately 400 students with special needs for whom the Ministry of Education says it is providing special accommodation.

Special needs accommodation includes the provision of additional time, prompters, readers, writers, large print and breaks at intervals, the Ministry said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr Grace McLean is also reminding administrators that schools are to remain open during the staging of the examination, with closure recommended only if there are severe challenges with space, convenience and suitability of rooms and appropriate seating for the administering of the examination.

In such cases school administrators are required to advise the Ministry’s regional office in advance.