July 29, 1999
(Education)

Minister of Education releases June 1999 High School Test Results

Judy Foote, Minister of Education, released today the final achievement results for 1998-99 senior high school students.

"I am pleased to announce that of the 29,476 students enrolled in the senior high program in this province, 92 per cent achieved a pass. Of the 6,316 students completing their final year of high school, 12 per cent (779 students) graduated with Distinction and 31 per cent (1,938 students) graduated with Honours. The fact that nearly half of our graduating students achieved Distinction or Honours marks is a testament to the talent and dedication of our teachers and the commitment and ability of our students," said Minister Foote.

"The number of students achieving a high school pass has increased four per cent in five years - from 88 per cent in 1994/95 to 92 per cent this year. This is good news and a clear indication of the high quality of our education system," added Minister Foote.

A provincial examination in Chemistry 3202 was administered based on the common Atlantic Provinces Curriculum prepared for senior high school students. "Ninety-four per cent of the 2,633 students who wrote the provincial Chemistry examination passed the course. The average mark was 72 per cent," said Minister Foote.

This examination was developed and validated by teachers and testing experts from Newfoundland and Labrador and the other three Atlantic provinces, and administered and marked locally. The final mark for this course was obtained through a 50-50 blend of the provincial examination mark and the school mark, which measured students' achievement throughout the year.

Official transcripts were mailed to students on July 26 and summaries of overall results are now being forwarded to schools and school districts.

The supplementary examination for students who wish to improve their mark in Chemistry 3202 this year is to be written at their high school on September 12, at 9:00 a.m. To register to write the supplementary examination, students must contact the Department of Education.

By mail:

Department of Education, High School Certification Section
Division of Evaluation, Testing and Certification
Confederation Building
St. John's, NF, A1B 4J6

By telephone: (709) 729-3003 or 729-1905
Or by fax: (709) 729-0611

Media contact: Nancy Healey, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

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Average Course Pass Rates 1994-95 to 1998-99

Number of Graduates Receiving Honours and Distinction, 1994-95 to 1998-99

1999 07 29         10:35 a.m.