Since its introduction as the certification system in Seychelles’ public schools in 2005, the IGCSE and Delf results for 2011 compare favourably to those of the preceding years.

A record number of students were registered for both IGCSE and Delf. Out of an S5 population of 1234 students, 1102 were registered for IGCSE and 1074 for Delf, representing almost 90% of the S5 student cohort and this is a first for Seychelles. For the previous six years, this figure was about 80%. The number of subject entries also rose to 3407 compared to 3104 in 2010, with over 500 students taking five or more subjects. The Department of Education wishes to commend all schools in providing the opportunity for more students to access international qualifications and this is consistent with the principles underpinning the current reforms in secondary education.

Results

• The overall pass rate for 2011 was 92 percent, the same as in 2010. In most subjects, the pass rate was retained or showed a slight increase. The only exception was in mathematics.

• Achievements in terms of the higher grades (i.e. grade C or higher) were mixed. The biggest improvement was in First Language English which saw a 28 percent increase (from 60 % in 2010 to 88% in 2011). There was also a slight increase in Geography, History, Coordinated Science and English as a Second Language. In Art and Design, Mathematics and ICT, there was a decrease of 8%, 9% and 6% respectively. The number of students scoring a grade C or better has remained very low in Combined Science and this is an area needing further attention.

• For Delf, the pass rate was 88% for A1, 94% for A2, 93% for B1 and 84% for B2. These figures were again comparable to 2010 and these were 91%, 97%, 88% and 75% respectively.

• Since 2005 when IGCSE was introduced in state schools, the general trend for both the pass rate and the percentage of students scoring a grade C or better has been one with very small fluctuations. This is an indication that standards have been maintained over time and perhaps the challenge now is to seek ways to increase the number of grade C or higher in all subjects offered.

In conclusion, it is pleasing to note that despite the increase in the number of students registered for international examinations, the overall pass rate has been maintained.