Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak says the National Standardized Test (NST) is intended to identify learning gaps and guide academic support for pupils, not determine whether they pass or fail.
Dr. Apaak gave the assurance while monitoring the administration of the examination at Nahadatu Islamic Basic School in Ofaakor and St. Mary’s Anglican Cluster of Schools in Akwale, both in the Central Region. He also visited Ofaakor Municipal Assembly Basic School as part of the nationwide monitoring exercise.
The Deputy Minister was received in the Awutu Senya East Municipality by the Municipal Director of Education, Frank Etrue-Hayford, his management team and the heads of the participating schools.
Addressing Primary Four pupils before the examination, Dr. Apaak said the assessment was designed to help education authorities evaluate pupils’ learning and improve teaching.
“This exam is not about pass or fail. It is to help your teacher, to help us at GES and the ministry understand how well you are doing in terms of the expectations for your standard Primary Four,” he said.
He explained that the results would help identify pupils who need additional academic support so teachers and education officials can provide targeted interventions to improve learning outcomes.
“At the end of the day, what you are writing will be used to determine whether you are all okay or some of you need additional help,” he said.
Dr. Apaak said pupils identified as needing extra support would not be required to repeat their class but would instead receive additional assistance to meet the expected learning standards.
“Unlike the past, we are not going to say you should be repeated. Your teacher will identify those of you who need additional help, and then that additional help will be offered to you so that you will reach the level that has been set for Primary Four in terms of your curriculum,” he said.
He encouraged the pupils to remain calm during the examination and have confidence in the preparation they had received from their teachers.
“Don’t panic, take your time and answer the questions. I know your class teacher has prepared you well so you understand what to do,” he said.
Dr. Apaak also urged the pupils to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, expressing confidence that they would contribute to Ghana’s future development.
The National Standardized Test is administered by the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to assess foundational literacy and numeracy skills and identify learning gaps. It is conducted for pupils in Kindergarten Two, Primary Two, Primary Four and Primary Six.
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