ToolsHow 'A' pupils lose out on scholsA recent letter by a "concerned parent" complained that the criterion used for the award of CAPE scholarships may be unjust to some high-performing students. According to the parent, the criterion used is "1s in the core subjects and at least 2s in Communications and Caribbean Studies". His/her case is that a student with high 1s in the core subjects, 1 in Communications and 3 in Caribbean Studies would not even be considered for a scholarship whereas a student with low 1s in the core subjects but 2s in Communications and Caribbean Studies will be. To put this argument in perspective and simplifying a little bit since there is some variation from subject to subject, suppose the range for a 1 is 75-100, a 2 is 65-74 and a 3 is 55-64. Suppose student A gets 95, 95 and 95 (1s) in the core subjects, 96 (1) in Communications and 64 (3) in Caribbean Studies. On the other hand, student B gets 75, 75, 75 (1s) in the core subjects, 65 (2) in Communications and 65 (2) in Caribbean Studies. Based on the criterion mentioned, student B with an average mark of 71 gets considered while A with an average mark of 89 does not have a chance. Is this fair? I think not. I'd put my money on student A any day. If this is indeed the Ministry's criterion, it would appear to be somewhat naive and, perhaps, they should refine it so that, at least, a student like A would get considered for a CAPE scholarship. Noel Kalicharan via e-mail |
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