Saraswati Vidya Niketan

SVN Student Awarded Prestigious Scholarship to Study in China

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:17:26 +0000

Saraswati Vidya Niketan is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our very own Anna Jeffers, who has been awarded a fully funded scholarship to pursue studies in Petroleum Sciences at a leading Chinese university.

Anna is among four top Guyanese students selected this year for this prestigious opportunity, granted through a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL). The scholarship will cover all education, transportation, and living expenses for the duration of her studies in China.

At the official award ceremony, attended by Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Vickram Bharrat, and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Madame Yang Yang, the scholars were encouraged to embrace this unique opportunity to transform their lives, fulfil their aspirations, and contribute positively to Guyana’s future.

Upon completing her degree, Anna will join Guyana’s oil and gas industry, applying her skills and knowledge to support the sector’s growth and the country’s development. This program not only represents an investment in individual students but also reflects a long-term commitment to building local capacity in the petroleum sector.

The entire Saraswati Vidya Niketan family congratulates Anna on her remarkable achievement and wishes her success as she embarks on this exciting academic journey. We are confident she will make her school, community, and country proud.

(Press release from CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited)

News Room 28/07/2025

SVN receives India’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:14:53 +0000

Guyana’s Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) will be bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for the year 2025, by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu for community service. The award ceremony was held at 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention which is scheduled to be held from January 8–10, 2025 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

The announcement was made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, which stated that the PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation/institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.

SVN’s Principal and Founder, Swami Aksharananda Ji, receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025 from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

“A Jury-cum-Awards Committee, with Hon’ble Vice-President as the Chairman and Hon’ble External Affairs Minister as the Vice-Chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life, considered the nominations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, 2025 and unanimously selected the awardees. The awardees represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

SVN was founded by Swami Aksharananda, M.A. Swami Aksharananda was born at Plantation Cornelia, Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Guyana, the same village where he established the campus of SVN Hindu High School. During his visit to Guyana in November 2024, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited the SVN Hindu High School.

In 2023, Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali was conferred with the PBSA, by the President of India, Honourable Droupadi Murmu. The award ceremony was held at the valedictory session of the 17th PBD Convention 2023, Indore, India.

Source: Guyana Times January 5, 2025 Edition

Youtube: Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards Ceremony (January 10, 2025)

Shree Hanuman Chalisa

admin — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:30:34 +0000

Rendition by the CSEC Class of 2024

https://svn.edu.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Hanuman-Chalisa.mp4

Shree Hanuman Chalisa (श्री हनुमान चालीसा)

SVN’s CSEC and CAPE Results 2024

admin — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 14:54:11 +0000

Report by Swami Aksharananda Ji ~

Founder & Principal of Saraswati Vidya Niketan

The Ministry of Education (MOE) released the results of the May-June 2024 CXC examinations on August 20 last at a function held at Queen’s College, Georgetown. According to the information provided by the Chief Education Officer, Mr. Saddam Hussain, in Guyana as a whole, eleven thousand six hundred and twelve (11,612) candidates appeared for the CSEC and seven hundred and twenty-one (721) for the CAPE examinations, with an overall pass rate of 67.23% and 92.57% respectively.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MOE) LISTS

As usual, MOE publishes two lists showing the schools in which students gained (1) 14 grades ones or more, and (2) 8 grade ones or more, nationally. A total 33 students across the country from 11 schools made list one, while 255 students from 41 schools made the second list.

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)

To be able to better understand and appreciate SVN’s achievement at the CSEC and CAPE examinations it is important of keep in mind that SVN has an open admission policy. Unlike the public school system where NGSA students are graded and awarded secondary schools according to their scores with the top 1% being sent to the senior most public school, SVN admits students regardless of NGSA scores. For example, in the current class of 2024, NGSA scores range from the highest at 527 to the lowest at 314, with an average of 477.84. Another significant fact about SVN, is that its students, unlike those of the leading public schools, do not go anywhere outside of the school for extra tuition or lessons.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

A total of 83 students – 30 males and 53 females – took the CSEC examinations, achieving an Overall Pass Rate (OPR)[1] of 93.80% which is marginally up from 93.40% attained in 2023.

However, in terms of grade one passes alone our students have performed spectacularly well. At 49.7%, the overall grade one passes this year is the highest for the last ten years and is the second highest in the school’s history.

[1] The pass grades at CXC are I to III with grade IV considered acceptable.

MATRICULATION

Of the 83 students who sat the examinations 77 of them – 91.57% – matriculated, that is, passed with a minimum of 5 subjects including English Language and Mathematics though no matriculating student at SVN obtained less than 10 subjects. The Overall Matriculation Rate (OMR) of 91.57% represents the second highest OMR achieved since 2014. In 2020 the OMR was above 95%.

It is extremely heartening to see that among those who matriculated are fourteen (14) students with NGSA scores ranging from 405 to 455. The student, Nishan Mahadeo, with 405 matriculated with 12 subjects including 6 grade ones, including a grade one in both English Language and Mathematics. This is a significant trend seen at SVN consistently over the years.

SUBJECT PERFORMANCE

This year SVN gained 100% passes in 10 subjects which is two more than in 2023.

As seen from the above table, our students returned 100% passes in these ten subjects in 2024. The pass rate of grade 1 to 3 as well as the grade 1 passes (2024) for each of the 21 subjects are shown in the above table.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

As noted above SVN has 8 students (out of the national total of 33) who made the MOE list of 14 grade ones or more. They are Chitra Parbhu with 17 grade ones, Dhanpal Singh, Bhawani Persaud and Rihanna Yassin with 15 grade ones each, and Darshani Somwaru, Ryan Bhojnauth, Rameshwar Maraj, and Lakeram Ramnarain with 14 grade ones. In addition, 7 other students gained 13 grade ones.

Other notable performances are those of students who matriculated with 10 or more subjects and whose NGSA score was below 450. Among these are:

Nishan Mahadeo (NGSA 405) 12 subjects;
Chelsea Ramkumar (NGSA 420) 14 subjects;
Aryanna Ram (NGSA 421) 10 subjects;
Rhea Persaud (NGSA 426) 13 subjects;
Merissa Rampersaud (NGSA 441) 13 subjects;
Narendra Persaud (NGSA 442) 10 subjects, and
Kaloutie Mohabir (NGSA 447) 12 subjects.

One of the more remarkable performances this year is that of Crystal Obermuller, a student who migrated from Venezuela and entered SVN in grade 9. Facing a major language problem Crystal completed her CSEC with 14 subjects with 11 grade ones including grade ones in English Language and Mathematics. She is now at the University of Guyana on a full scholarship from SVN.

EVALUATION

Of the 21 subjects offered at SVN, students scored 100% passes[1] in 10 of them. While Caribbean History recorded a marginal improvement from 93.9% in 2024 to 96% in 2024 in the overall pass rate, grade one passes plummeted from 18.20% to 6.3% in the same period.

Among the science subjects, the overall pass rate in Biology improved from 97% in 2023 to 100% in 2024. Grade 1 passes also rose from 69% to 75.9%. Chemistry remained stable at 100% but showed a significant jump in grade 1 passes from 39.4% to 62.1%. Physics moved up from 93.9% to 100% with grade 1 passes more than doubling from 12.1% to 27.6%. Agricultural Sciences passes remained at the 100% maximum but grade 1 passes moved from 68.8% to 82.4%. In the meantime, Human and Social Biology remains stable in overall passes of 100% but in grade one passes there has been a drop from 94.1% to 88.6%. Another science related subject, Industrial Technology: Electrical has remained steady at 100% in overall passes but declined in grade one passes from 50% in 2023 to 12.5% in 2024.

While our performance in the three major science subjects remain strong and steady, the overall pass rate and grade one passes for Integrated Science have been declining over the last few years. In 2021, for example, the subject recorded 100% overall pass rate and 68.2% grade one passes, but in both of these areas there has been a constant decline year after year such that the 2024 results now show 96.4% overall pass rate and 32.1% grade one passes.

In the business subjects, Economics showed a slight decline in pass rate from 97.5% in 2023 to 94.1% in 2024, but improved in grade one passes from 25% to 35.3%. Office Administration remained stable at 100% with a slight decline in grade one passes from 86.7% to 83.3%, while Principles of Business recorded a marginal decline from 100% to 98.6% but grade one passes rose from 81.6 to 88.9%. Of concern is the performance in Principle of Accounts which has been showing a fluctuating pattern over the years both in overall pass rate and grade 1 passes. In 2023 the pass rate was 91.7% as against 85.9% in 2024, but grade one passes declined drastically from 12.5% to 4.7%. On the other hand, in both overall pass rate and grade one passes EDPM continues to record high results showing 100% and 98.6% in overall pass rate in 2023 and 2024 respectively, and grade one passes of 97.7% and 93% respectively.

English Language and Mathematics

In the two key areas of English Language and Mathematics, SVN has maintained a significantly high level of performance. English Language recorded a 100% pass rate for the fourth time in five years with 83.1% grade one passes in 2024. English Literature also recorded a major improvement in overall pass rate from 89.6% in 2023 to 97.6% in 2024. More importantly, however, in this subject is the increase of grade one passes, from 10.4% to 33.7%

While CXC has been repeatedly lamenting the low performance in Mathematics for the region as a whole, the situation in Guyana is somewhat dire. At 31% overall pass rate in 2024 as against 34%[2] in 2023, the country has seen one of its lowest performances ever. At SVN however, the Mathematics story has been quite spectacularly different. In 2005 at the school’s first CSEC examination there was an overall pass rate of 63.2%. In 2006 the pass rate went up to 72.4% but went down again in the following year to the first year’s level of 63.2%. Leaving out the first three years, for the next 17 years, from 2008 to the present, only once in 2016 with 77.1%, did the overall pass rate fall below 80%. In 2024, SVN achieved an overall pass rate of 91.6% with 44.6% grade one passes. The overall average for the last 20 years (including 2024) stands at 85/1%. The result in Additional Mathematics has also been very impressive. From an overall pass rate and grade one passes of 52.20 % and 8.7% respectively in 2023, the subject moved up to 100% overall passes and 50% grade one passes in 2024.

Information Technology is a subject that has seen a consistently high success rate over the years recording 100% pass rate in 14 of the 20 years including 2024 since SVN has offered the subject. However, grade one passes have declined from 70.1%in 2023 to 55.4% in 2024. While Social Studies continues to record a high overall pass rate showing 98.4% and 93.8% in 2023 and 2024 respectively, but grade one passes declined from 36.1% to 31.3%.

History, Spanish, and Geography

While Caribbean History recorded a marginal improvement from 93.9% in 2023 to 96% in 2024 in the overall pass rate, grade one passes plummeted from 18.20% to 6.3% in the same period. Spanish has seen a decline in both overall and grade one passes recording 78.8% and 70.9% in overall passes, and 16.7% and 11.4% grade one passes in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Geography has similarly showed a decline from 81.1% in 2023 to 63.5% in 2024 in overall pass rate, and 1.9% to 0% in grade one passes in 2023 and 2024 respectively. These three subjects along with Principles of Accounts are being currently under review to find ways to effect improvement.

[1] Grades 1 to 3.

[2] Stabroek News, August 21, 2023. The Ministry of Education website has the 2023 overall pass rate at 37%.

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)

In 2024, SVN registered seventeen (17) students to write CAPE, eight (8) students for Unit 1 and nine (9) students for Unit 2. In 2024, the overall pass rate (Grades I – V) for CAPE is 97%, a marginal decline from the overall pass rate of 97.73% in 2023. However, there was an increase in the grade one passes, 37% overall grade ones as compared to 16.7% in 2023. This represents the highest overall grade one passes since from 2018 to present.

Jenna Hoosein SVN first year CAPE student was recognised nationally, having completed eight (8) units with 6 Grade Ones, 1 Grade Three and 1 Grade Four.

From CAPE Unit 2, Valisha Singh completed a total of thirteen (13) units after two years, obtaining 7 Grade Ones, 5 Grade Twos and 1 Grade Three while Nathram Chintaman completed fifteen (15) units, obtaining 6 Grade Ones, 4 Grade Twos, 5 Grade Threes and 1 Grade Five.

All subjects recorded 100% pass (Grades I – V) except for Chemistry Unit 1 in which one student obtained a grade six.

In Memoriam: Friends of SVN who have Passed On

SVN stands out in CSEC and CAPE 2024 Results

admin — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 21:55:44 +0000

The 2024 CSEC and CAPE results ceremony celebrated the incredible achievements of students who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and excellence in their studies. Among the hundreds who sat for these exams, a standout group of 36 students from SVN earned eight or more Grade 1s in their CSEC exams. Their hard work, perseverance, and academic brilliance have set new benchmarks, making SVN’s staff, students and alumni extremely proud.

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Top Performers

Chitra Parbhu led this year’s pack as SVN’s top performer, writing 20 subjects and achieving an outstanding 17 Grade 1s, 2 Grade 2s, and 1 Grade 3.

Bhavani Devi Persaud and Dhanpaul Singh both secured 15 Grade 1s after writing 18 and 19 subjects respectively.

Rihanna Yassin took on 16 subjects and achieved 15 Grade 1s and 1 Grade 3 while Ryan Bhajonauth wrote 17 subjects and earned 14 Grade 1s, 2 Grade 2s, and 1 Grade 3. Rameshwar Maraj also excelled, writing 18 subjects and securing 14 Grade 1s, 3 Grade 2s, and 1 Grade 3.

Lakeram Ramnarain wrote 18 subjects and achieved 14 Grade 1s and 4 Grade 2s while Dharshani Somwaru completed 16 subjects and achieved 14 Grade 1s, 1 Grade 2, and 1 Grade 3.

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) High Achiever

Equally impressive was the performance of Jenna Hoosein in the CAPE exams. Jenna secured 6 Grade 1s, 1 Grade 3, and 1 Grade 4, a remarkable accomplishment that underscores her dedication and commitment to her studies.

The Road to Success

The journey to these stellar results was undoubtedly challenging. These students invested countless hours in their studies, balancing academic demands with extracurricular activities. Their achievements are not just the result of their individual efforts but also the support of their teachers, families, and communities who stood by them every step of the way.

As these young scholars prepare to embark on the next chapter of their academic and professional lives, they carry with them the lessons of discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and a reminder that with hard work, anything is possible.

Congratulations to all the top achievers, whose success stories will continue to inspire future generations.

SVN’s Karate Grading Event

admin — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:13 +0000

A Day of Dedication and Achievement

During the week of July 8th, 2024, SVN’s dojo held its Karate grading event for students of Forms 1 & 2, a day filled with anticipation, focus, and celebration. Students of all ages and ranks came together to demonstrate their skills and progress in their martial arts journey.

Showcasing Skills and Discipline

The grading event began with a warm-up session, setting the tone for the rigorous assessments ahead. Students showcased their mastery of basic techniques, forms, and sparring. Each performance reflected countless hours of practice, embodying the spirit of Karate – discipline, respect, and perseverance.

Celebrating Achievements

The event concluded with a ceremony where students received their new belts and certificates. The sense of achievement was palpable, with proud smiles, applause, and a few happy tears. Each student left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to continue their Karate journey.

Capturing the Moments

Our event was beautifully captured through the lens, preserving the memories of this significant day. We invite you to explore the photo gallery below, showcasing the determination and spirit of our students.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on this successful grading event, we look forward to future challenges and achievements. We thank all participants, parents, and instructors for their unwavering support and dedication.

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Disassembling the Dell OptiPlex 360 ~

admin — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:42:26 +0000

Take a look at our students’ latest venture into the world of Information Technology as we dive into a recent project undertaken by our Form 3 students that explored the complex design and operation of computers as well as gave them hands-on learning experience.

At the heart of this project were two simple yet profound objectives: firstly, to equip students with a solid theoretical foundation on how computers operate, and secondly, to allow hands-on experience in designing, disassembling and building a computer system through practical tasks. To achieve these goals, the project was divided into multiple phases, each designed to build upon previously gained knowledge. Throughout this project, students were allowed to be independent and also guided when needed, ensuring their complete understanding of computer hardware from theory to application.

Phase 1: Understanding Computer Basics:

In the first part of our project, students focused on getting to know the basics of how computers work. They learnt about the main parts of a computer; the processors, memory, storage, and peripheral devices such as keyboards and mice. This was all about understanding what each part does independently and how they all work together to make a computer function.

Students looked at simple yet detailed videos that showed them visually how these parts function and fit together inside a computer.

Understanding these basics was really important because it gave students a solid foundation to build on for the rest of the project similar to knowing the rules of the game before you start playing.

Phase 2: Taking Apart the Dell OptiPlex 360:

In the next step, students looked at easy-to-follow instructional videos that showed them exactly how to disassemble the Dell OptiPlex 360.

They then began the disassembly process according to the video. As they unscrewed screws, unplugged cables, and removed parts, students got a firsthand look at what’s actually inside the system unit of a desktop computer. It was like taking apart a puzzle to see how all the pieces fit together.

This hands-on experience was very valuable because it helped students understand computers in a more practical way. It’s one thing to read about how computers work, but actually seeing and touching the parts makes it all make a lot more sense.

Students disassembling the Dell OptiPlex 360

Phase 3: Identifying Computer Parts:

Once the Dell OptiPlex 360 was taken apart, students moved on to the next step: identifying all the different parts they had just uncovered. They carefully examined each component they had removed and learned to recognize its purpose and function within the computer system.

This activity was crucial because it helped students connect theory with practice. By seeing the actual parts up close and understanding what they do, students gained a deeper understanding of how computers function as a whole.

Students identifying the parts of the Dell OptiPlex 360

Phase 4: Sorting and Grouping Parts:

With a pile of computer parts in front of them, students faced the task of sorting and grouping these components into specific categories. They organized parts from different computers based on their similarities and functions, developing important organizational skills in the process.

This not only reinforced their understanding of computer components but also taught them the importance of order and efficiency in managing complicated tasks. By separating the parts into groups, students were then prepared for the next phase of the project.

Various computer parts grouped together by Students

Phase 5: Building a New System Unit:

Students were now geared up for the most exciting phase; the challenge of building a brand-new computer system from scratch. They began by creating a detailed list of all the parts they need, carefully selecting components based on their compatibility and functionality.

This phase marked the culmination of their learning journey, as students put their previously gained knowledge and skills to the test in a practical way. From selecting the right parts to assembling them into a fully functional system, students demonstrated their proficiency in computer hardware.

Students eagerly reassembling the system units

Phase 6: Conclusion and Reflections:

As we reflect on the progress made throughout this project, it’s clear that our students have come a long way in their understanding of computer hardware. From studying the basics to dismantling and identifying components, they have demonstrated a remarkable level of curiosity and dedication.

Report writing on the completed Project

Throughout the phases, students have not only acquired technical knowledge but also developed essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We are excited and delighted to see the final outcomes of their hard work.

Rangoli Competition 2023

admin — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:31:35 +0000

As we eagerly anticipated the festive season, Saraswati Vidya Niketan geared up for a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. One of the highlights of our Diwali festivities was the much-anticipated Rangoli Competition, where students had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistic talent.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights:

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and joy. The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. The lighting of lamps and candles symbolizes the victory of light and the dispelling of spiritual darkness.

The festival has various legends associated with it, one of the most well-known being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. To welcome him, the citizens of Ayodhya illuminated the entire city with earthen lamps, giving rise to the tradition of decorating homes with lights during Diwali.

Rangoli: An Artistic Expression:

An integral part of Diwali celebrations is the creation of colorful and intricate rangolis. Rangoli is a traditional art form where vibrant patterns are created on the ground or floor using colored powders, flower petals, rice, or other materials. The art form not only adds visual appeal to the surroundings but also holds deep symbolic significance.

They are created as a way to welcome guests and Hindu deities, especially Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali Rangoli Competition 2023:

Students of various forms participating in the Rangoli Competiton:

SVN’s Diwali Rangoli Competition was a platform for students to unleash their creativity and showcase their artistic talents. Participants had the opportunity to work in teams to create stunning rangoli designs that captured the spirit of Diwali.

The competition aimed to encourage artistic expression and also help students feel proud of their culture while learning about Diwali traditions. It was a special chance for them to take part in the celebrations and understand the customs linked to the festival.

Judges, consisting of representatives from the MOE, SVN’s Alumni Body and the CI Temple Committee along with other esteemed guests, evaluated the rangolis based on creativity, originality, use of colors, and adherence to the respective categories. Prizes were awarded to the most exceptional creations from each of the three categories; The Return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, The Goddess of Wealth, Fortune and Prosperity and The Triumph of Light over Darkness.

Winning Pieces of the Competiton:

Some of the brilliantly done winning pieces created by SVN’s talented students on display

Honouring our Beloved Dasrat Ji

admin — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:47:50 +0000

Narine Dasrat Ji (1954-2023)

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Shri Narine Dasrat Ji after a prolonged struggle with cancer on July 3, 2023. He was our English Language and Literature teacher, who through his rapport with students and his extraordinary method of teaching was able to lift our school to new heights in the performance of both English Language and Literature at the CSEC examinations.

Throughout his illness he rarely missed a class and even when he was in New York receiving medical attention he conducted full online classes with his students. When there seemed to be no improvement in his situation, he decided to return home in December 2022 and resumed in person teaching until the completion of our mock examinations in February of 2023. Around this time, he became confined at home but continued his interaction with his students until after the CSEC examinations in May. By mid-June things took a turn for the worse but his spirit remained high and positive. Two days before his passing he was visited by Swami Ji and they had a long conversation. According to Swami Ji, Dasrat Ji not only showed us how to live and work, but also how to die in peace and with dignity.

SVN’s CSEC and CAPE Results 2023

admin — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:00:36 +0000

Report by Swami Aksharananda Ji ~

Founder & Principal of Saraswati Vidya Niketan

The May-June 2023 CSEC results were declared on Thursday last, August 24 by the Ministry of Education (MOE). A total of 12,188 students in Guyana registered for the examinations which according to information provided show a slight decrease in the overall pass rate at 65% as against 68.5% in 2022.

In this year, 67 SVN students, 47 females and 20 males, appeared for the exams. The number of subjects offered is year was 21 up by one from last year, the new subject being Industrial Technology: Electrical and Electronic Technology. A single student attempted all 21 subjects, whereas the minimum number taken was 10.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS PLACEMENT
National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination is the basis on which students are placed in the various secondary schools and the top 5-6% are awarded places in the leading public schools. For example, students of the current CSEC 2023 batch wrote their NGSA examinations in 2018 when a total of 14,065 candidates took the examinations. In that year, 144 students gained marks from 513 upwards and of these 111 with marks from 514 were earmarked for Queen’s College.

Saraswati Vidya Niketan has an open admission policy that does not take into account NGSA scores. Thus, in 2018, when the present batch of CSEC students gained admission, NGSA scores ranged from 384 to 521, showing the following breakdown: 16 students with scores 500 marks and more, 14 in their 490’s, and the remaining 28 with scores from 384 to 471. The average NGSA score this year was 472.

SUMMARY of SVN’s RESULTS

58 of the 67 of our students matriculated with 55 gaining 10 subjects or more. One student matriculated with 9 subjects and the remaining two with 8 subjects each. This represents an increase of 6% from 82.05% in 2022.

The overall pass rate, Grades I to III, improved marginally from 92.19% in 2022 to 93.43% in 2023.

Subjects with 100% passes. Similar to the previous year, SVN gained 100% pass in eight subject areas – Agricultural Science (64 students sat) with 68.75 Grade I’s, Chemistry (33 students) with 39.39 Grade I’s, EDPM (44 students) with 97.73% Grade I’s, Electrical and Electronics Technology (8) with 50% Grade I’s, English Language (67) with 83.58% Grade I’s, Human and Social Biology (34 students) with 94.12% Grade I’s, Office Administration (30 students) with 86.67% Grade I’s, and Principles of Business (49 students) with 81.63% Grade I’s.

CSEC SUBJECT PERFORMANCE 2021 TO 2023

Improvement from 2022. We have recorded marginal improvement in Economics (.23%), English Language (1.28%), and Social Studies (.96%). In Mathematics and Principles of Business there have been significant improvements of 6.01% and 7.05% respectively. The biggest improvement however has been recorded in Caribbean History of 16.47% and Spanish 17.75%.

Decline: In 2023, we have seen a decline in performance in six subject areas. In Additional Mathematics there has been a decline of 46.83% from 100% in 2022 to 52.17%. Biology dropped by 3.03% from 100% in 2022 to 96.97% while English Literature witnessed a decline of 2.76% from 92.31% in 2022 to 89.55 %. In Information Technology, the decline is 1.49% from 100% in 2022 to 98.51% and finally in Physics we have seen a decline of 2.21% from 96.15 in 2022 to 93.94%

SVN SUDENTS IN THE MOE LIST OF 12 Grade Ones and More
The seven SVN students who gained 12 grade ones or more are as follows. Shalini Ramnarayan (12), Sudarshanie Arjune (13), Jenna Hoosein (13), Jia Jie Yang (14), Swasti Ganindra (14), Maria Sookram (17) and Virendra Dookie (19). Virendra Dookie’s 19 subjects is the second-best performance in the country.

STUDENTS WITH LOWER NGSA SCORES
While students with higher NGSA scores are expected to have a corresponding level of CSEC success and usually do, an important feature of SVN results is the success rate of students with lower NGSA scores. This year has been no exception. Six students in this group with scores ranging from 384 to 402 were not awarded a secondary school in the region, not even Leonora Secondary which has the lowest cut-off marks of recognised secondary schools. Of these six, three students, Dhanwanti Persaud (NGSA 401), Peshanie Motilal (NGSA 384), and Bibi Fatima Khan (NGSA 384) who passed with 6, 9 and 7 subjects respectively, did not matriculate each having failed to get a passing grade in Mathematics. The other three students Guytri Singh (NGSA 394), Basmattie Mangar (400) and Salomie Jeffers (NGSA 402) matriculated with 8, 14, and 13 subjects respectively.

संयोजयति विद्यैव नीचगापि नरं सरित् ।
समुद्रमिव दुर्घर्षं नृपं भाग्यमतः परम् ॥५॥
saṃyojayati vidyaiva nīcagāpi naraṃ sarit
samudram iva durgharṣaṃ nṛpaṃ bhāgyam ataḥ param

As a river although flowing through a low region takes one to an inaccessible sea so knowledge and only knowledge, even possessed by a person of low status, brings him in contact with an inaccessible king, and thereafter great fortune.

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