I am writing to respectfully bring attention to a serious issue affecting many students at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), particularly students in their graduating stage.
While the official passing mark for courses is 40%, many students believe that the marking system used by some lecturers makes it extremely difficult to achieve this requirement. In many cases, if a student’s answer does not match exactly what the lecturer expects, marks are heavily deducted even when the student demonstrates understanding of the concept. Students learn and express ideas differently, and answers should not always be expected to be identical to a lecturer’s personal interpretation.
A major concern is students failing courses by only 3 or 4 marks, sometimes under circumstances they feel are unfair or unjustified. This has become especially stressful for graduating students because the institution only provides two supplemental exam opportunities, and students must already have a minimum overall mark of 35% to qualify.
As a result, students who have worked hard for two years can be prevented from graduating during their final semester because of a few failed courses.
Many students are under severe emotional stress due to this situation. Some are experiencing anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness because they fear repeating an entire academic year.
Some students have even spoken about the severe mental strain because they feel overwhelmed by the pressure and disappointment. Others feel discouraged from pursuing legal and meaningful opportunities to build their future because their educational goals seem out of reach despite their efforts.
There are also concerns about the treatment students receive from some lecturers. Students have reported being called “dunce”, “illiterate” or told they are wasting their parents’ money. Such comments can deeply affect students’ confidence and mental health. Educational institutions should encourage and guide students, not make them feel worthless or incapable.
For example, some students may pass coursework with 35% and only need a few additional marks on the final exam to pass the course overall. However, essays are sometimes graded extremely harshly, with students receiving zero marks because their responses did not contain exactly what the lecturer expected, even though the student understood the topic. Education should focus on understanding concepts and critical thinking, not simply repeating answers word-for-word.
We respectfully ask the Ministry of Education to please investigate these concerns and consider possible changes that would better support students, including:
· Reviewing grading and marking practices at SVGCC
· Ensuring fairness and consistency in assessment methods
· Providing students with more supplemental opportunities
· Addressing the impact of academic pressure on students’ mental health
· Encouraging respectful and supportive treatment of students by lecturers
· Creating systems that help students graduate on time when they are close to passing
Students attend college because they want to improve their lives, contribute positively to society, and build a better future for themselves and their country. The institution that is meant to help students succeed should not become a barrier that causes emotional distress and hopelessness.
We sincerely hope the Ministry will look into this matter and work toward solutions that protect students’ education, mental well-being, and future opportunities.
A. Student
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I cannot believe that the benchmark for a passing grade is 40%. That is tooo low! No wonder evaluations and markings are tough.
This student belongs to the school of Arts because answers to Math or Science questions do not deviate that much.
If, as a student, you cannot gauge the system and give your lecturers the answers they expect then you are the one that is not malleable. Provide the answers that are expected of you and move on.
The current education system in svg is not designed for critical thinking.
I am still confused. 40%!!!!
Whenever students feel that they are unfairly treated or that their work is graded unfairly, they first need to look inwardly to assess wether there is adequate justification for feeling that way. If there is, then engage someone in authority to address their concern.
Often the students who complain are the ones who fail to put in the required effort, and expect the institution to lower the standard so that they can succeed. It is always worth remembering that the value of your certificate is linked to the standard of excellence upheld by the institution from which you graduate.
40% is a pass mark? Only that? Wow! And these students are crying? If you cannot get 40%, you do not understand the concepts. Go study harder, or probably just go study. 40% should not be that hard to get.
Social promotion is the educational practice of advancing students to the next grade level with their age-matched peers, regardless of whether they have met academic requirements.
Social promotion has long infected primary and secondary education in SVG.
This opinion piece argues for the promotion of this pernicious practice in our main tertiary institution as well.
Graduating students without the necessary knowledge or skills, creates significant disparities within classrooms, lowers academic standards, and leaves students ill-prepared for the future.