Education Ministry Approves Changes to Some GSAT Subjects
By: , May 12, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- The Grade Six Achievement Test next year will no longer require detailed knowledge which is not age appropriate in the field of science.
- As it relates to Social Studies, Rev. Thwaites said the Ministry will be reducing the content by about 20 per cent.
The Full Story
The Ministry of Education has approved changes to the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) curriculum in the areas of Science and Social Studies.
Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites announced the changes during his contribution the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 7.
“The Grade Six Achievement Test next year will no longer require detailed knowledge which is not age appropriate in the field of science, but will include more the mastery of general concepts and basic scientific principles,” he informed.
As it relates to Social Studies, Rev. Thwaites said the Ministry will be reducing the content by about 20 per cent, and that the test will consist of 60 items instead of 80 items.
Mr. Thwaites said these changes are in keeping with the Ministry’s move to introduce a new primary curriculum, as well as a new primary exit examination to replace GSAT. He added that the new curriculum and exam will emphasise reasoning and critical thinking.
Rev. Thwaites also informed that the Ministry plans to introduce a new primary examination by 2017. The GSAT was introduced in 1999 to replace the Common Entrance Examinations.