This year’s Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) results were leaked ahead of the official release date yesterday.
In confirming the situation yesterday, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said they were now investigating where the leak originated.
Speaking to reporters following the announcement of the country’s third placed SEA student at the Specialist Learning Centre, Wilson Street, St. Augustine, Garcia said, “Yes, I can confirm that some schools knew of the results perhaps yesterday, or even before yesterday.”
Pressed for more information on the leak, Garcia said, “That is something we have to look at very carefully. When we go back to the Ministry of Education, I will be meeting with the Chief Education Officer and the staff of technical officers to see what we can do to ensure this does not recur.”
Seeking to reassure students and parents that the integrity of the exam remained intact, he said, “The leak was with respect to the results, but the exam itself was not affected or compromised in any way. As you know, results are very sensitive and we want to make sure that everything is done so that the parents will have faith in the exams.
“Even if the leak is a small one, it is something that is of very grave concern to us.”
Aadi Anna Lutchmedial, 11, placed third in the national exam with a composite score of 244.779 points. Lutchmedial is the granddaughter of the president of the Zoological Society, Gupte Lutchmedial.
To underscore the level of competition and marking scheme, Garcia said the first placed student, Caitlin Brooker of San Fernando TML Primary School, earned a composite score of 245.46 points. He noted that Lutchmedial’s school had managed to secure five other places on the top 200 list.
Interviewed minutes after accepting a hamper from Garcia, Lutchmedial expressed joy and relief over the outstanding accomplishment.
Cocooned by mom Shabnam and dad Keith, Lutchmedial said, “I feel so happy. I was so stressed out but now I am so relieved.”
Overcome at attaining her first choice St Augustine Girls’ High School, Lutchmedial said she did nothing out of the ordinary to prepare for the exam.
With shaking hands, Shabnam wiped tears from her eyes as she outlined her daughter's routine, which she said did not include extra lessons except for what was offered in school.
Referring to the family support system, Shabnam said, “Consistency is the key. Her hard work paid off and it is truly a happy day for us.”
Keith said he never doubted his daughter's ability to achieve success, as she had been at the top of her class since second year. Revealing that Aadi wants to become a marine biologist and “discover mermaids,” both parents promised a fun-filled vacation as a much deserved reward.