Once again, the hard work of St. Peter’s Primary School students — guided and supported by their experienced teachers, and strengthened through partnership with their parents and the wider community — has resulted in a remarkable set of Primary Leaving Examination (P.L.E.) results.
Before sharing those outcomes, it may be helpful to review how this national exam is structured.
Students are examined in four core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (which includes religious education as well as elements of civics, history, and geography). Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 (best) to 9 (worst). The combined total of these four grades is known as a student’s aggregate score, with 4 being the best possible outcome and 36 the weakest.
Once a student’s aggregate score is calculated, they are placed into one of five divisions:
-
-
- Division 1 (aggregate 4–12): Excellent
- Division 2 (13–23): Good
- Division 3 (24–29): Fair
- Division 4 (30–34): Minimum pass
- Division U (35+): Not passed
-
In early November, these 18 eligible students (photo below) from St. Peter’s sat for the two-day examination.
The results (with identifying information removed to protect privacy) tell a powerful story.
Every one of the 18 St. Peter’s students passed the P.L.E. Nationally, between 8–12% of students do not. Even more impressive, all St. Peter’s candidates achieved either a Division 2 (Good) or Division 3 (Fair) placement.
This accomplishment is all the more extraordinary when viewed in context. These students come from a rural setting, attend a small self-supporting school, and work with limited resources — conditions that stand in sharp contrast to many urban, government-funded schools.
As a result of their success, all 18 students have earned the right to continue on to secondary education. For some, financial realities will make that next step difficult, if not impossible, and they may instead return home to support their family’s farming livelihood. Those who do advance will leave behind the familiarity of home to board at secondary schools located more than 20 kilometres away. Either path represents both opportunity and loss, pride and uncertainty.
To each of these 18 St. Peter’s scholars: Congratulations! Your achievement is well earned, and you and your community have every reason to be proud.
Recent Comments