By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – As the Ministry of Education channels unprecedented resources into improving national performance in Mathematics, Specialist and Ministry Official Leon Beaton is offering final strategy tips to students across Guyana. With the 2026 CSEC Mathematics Paper 2 scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, the “Math push” has reached its critical final phase.
The Ministry’s focus on the subject comes as part of a strategic drive to bolster pass rates following the 2025 cycle, which saw Guyana’s Grades 1–3 performance rise to 32%, up from 27% in 2024. While the upward trend is encouraging, officials believe more intensive support is required to reach regional benchmarks.
The Final Countdown: Light Revision
Grade 11 and select Grade 10 students have spent weeks utilizing “Math Tents” and online resources. As the exam date arrived, Sir Leon Beaton, who has become the face of this year’s digital outreach via YouTube and the Guyana Digital School, advised a shift in mindset for the final hours.
“You want to do some light revision, some light practice,” Beaton advised. “Nothing too big and fancy, nothing too heavy.” He emphasized that the night before the exam should be about consolidation rather than learning new, complex concepts.
Navigating the Formula Sheet
A key area of concern for many students is the reliance on the formula sheet provided by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Beaton warned that students should not walk into the exam room assuming everything they need will be on that paper.
“You want to make sure you remember all the key formulas that will not be given to you on the list of formulas CXC will provide,” he reminded students. Mastering these “missing” formulas—such as specific geometric properties or algebraic identities—often makes the difference between a Grade 1 and a Grade 2.
A National Effort
The Ministry has spared no expense in providing support, ranging from physical Math Tents in various regions to 24-hour access to online tutorials. Beaton encouraged students to take a final look at the resources provided by the digital school and to engage in group discussions if it helps ease exam anxiety.
With the planning and execution stages now complete, the focus shifts to the thousands of Guyanese students who will sit the exam on Tuesday. The Ministry remains optimistic that the diverted resources and specialized coaching will result in another year of significant growth in the nation’s Mathematics results.
