In addition to the minimum passing grade, students must also obtain a minimum overall average of 50% in order to graduate. This average is calculated based on the results of all subjects taken over the course of the five-year secondary school programme. Students who fail to meet this requirement will be awarded a certificate of completion instead of a diploma.
The percentage of students who pass secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago varies from year to year. However, in recent years, the pass rate has been around 80%. This means that approximately 20% of students fail to graduate from secondary school.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a student's failure to pass secondary school. These include:
* Academic difficulties: Some students may struggle with the academic demands of secondary school. This may be due to a lack of preparation, learning disabilities, or other factors.
* Personal problems: Students who are experiencing personal problems, such as family difficulties or mental health issues, may find it difficult to focus on their studies.
* Financial problems: Students who come from low-income families may not have access to the resources they need to succeed in school, such as tutoring or private education.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has a number of programmes in place to help students who are struggling in secondary school. These include:
* Remedial classes: Students who are struggling with a particular subject can take remedial classes to help them catch up.
* Counseling: Students who are experiencing personal problems can receive counseling from school counselors or other professionals.
* Financial assistance: Students who come from low-income families can apply for financial assistance to help them cover the costs of school.
Despite these programmes, the failure rate in secondary school remains a significant problem. More needs to be done to help students who are struggling in school.
