The Antigua and Barbuda pass rate for Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) over the past 10 years has been less than acceptable. In fact, Antigua and Barbuda continues to underperform when compared to the rest of the region.
As a result of these poor results, CIBC Caribbean has stepped forward to assist in reversing this troubling trend. The bank has teamed up with well-respected mathematics tutor, Derrick Nicholas, to conduct a number of Math Camps, where students’ particular weak areas are tackled and more personalized attention is provided.
The bank has donated $10,000 to assist in the funding of these camps. The Easter Camp is now taking place at the St. Mary’s Secondary School for over 50 3rd, 4th and 5th form students.
Mr. Nicholas explained that he has been hosting Math Camps for the past three years, targeting various student demographics. He said that corporate sponsors such as CIBC have made it possible for these camps to be held at no cost to the parents as invariably the children who need the most help are from families who are at the lower end of the economic spectrum.
Following this camp another one is being planned for the summer. This one will be very important as those students whose education was disrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic will be entering 5th Form and will need the additional tutoring.
“I am fully committed to doing my part to ensure that the mathematics results at CSEC improve. I would like to thank CIBC for readily agreeing to support this programme and for recognizing the importance of math literacy in Antigua and Barbuda.”
During the presentation Jesseca Ormond, the bank’s Human Resource Officer said that CIBC Caribbean was very happy to partner with Mr. Nicholas in the hope that these math camps will contribute to an upward trend in how math is received and applied by our youth.
“It’s not just about memorizing formulas; it’s about learning how to think logically and creatively. Math is everywhere, shaping our daily lives and driving innovation in our society,” she added.