00:002025 will see the return of the public announcement and recognition of top-performing SCA students
00:07after the initiative was cancelled under the former PNM administration.
00:12A release from the Ministry of Education today indicates that it will host a recognition and awards ceremony on Friday,
00:19one day after results are released.
00:22The move is being welcomed by the president of the National Parent Teacher Association, Walter Stewart,
00:27who is also making the following recommendation.
00:31National Parent Teacher Association applauds the reintroduction of the public recognition of the top SCA students
00:39as this demonstrates the acknowledgement that hard work pays.
00:44This significant gesture also will motivate and provide a level of pride not only to the current crop of students
00:55but would also serve as an inspiration to future students who will aspire to replicate and match their success
01:02as well as surpass the success of the current crop.
01:08It is important to note, however, that accolades such as this one should not only be bestowed on the top national students,
01:16but similar public recognition and acknowledgement should also be afforded to students of each education district
01:24so as to ensure equity and encourage that spirit of district pride.
01:30Meantime, Tuta says while it supports the recognition of excellence,
01:34the SCA is not the best means of assessment for students.
01:38The association is also calling for greater attention to be placed on the students at the other end of the spectrum.
01:45While we celebrate these students, we must never forget those who did not achieve the ranges that are perceived to be high achievers.
01:56We must have intervention and meaningful intervention for those who are at average marks or at the other end of the spectrum.
02:07However, standardised tests are not the ideal metrics to evaluate our students and the education system.
02:16But unfortunately, these standardised tests are accepted in our society and our education system.
02:25However, the National Primary Schools Principals Association is reserving comment on the matter.
02:30The National Primary School Principals Association wishes to clarify that the Ministry of Education has not engaged the association in any discussion
02:40regarding the proposed reintroduction of an awards program for SCA students.
02:47Such initiatives fall solely within the remit of the Ministry of Education and the Honourable Minister,
02:53and we await any formal communication on the matter.
02:57NAPSPA takes this opportunity to congratulate all students and their parents who participated in the SCA examination 2025.
03:07We are proud of all of their dedication and perseverance,
03:10and we wish them every success as they begin this new chapter in this secondary school and beyond.
03:18Both tutors and the NPTA also had no formal notification of the decision.
03:23Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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