TRENDS IN STUDENT ENROLMENT AND PERFORMANCE IN GEOGRAPHY IN MAURITIUS 2012-2019

Abstract

In this study, statistics from the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) were used to show trends in the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) enrolment and performances in Geography for the period 2012 to 2019 at School Certificate level. All school candidates who sat for these examinations within the years under review constituted the target population for the study. Statistical data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel with its in-built trend line capabilities. Quantitative analysis showed an overall decline of 15.2% in the number of students opting for Geography at School Certificate level from 2012 to 2019. Findings also demonstrated that male candidates were more likely to achieve a pass mark than female candidates. A t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between grades achieved by girls and boys at p < 0.05. Ultimately, a thorough analysis of chief examiners’ reports indicated that the recurring weak performances were often associated with rubric offences, and poor question comprehension.In this study, statistics from the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) were used to show trends in the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) enrolment and performances in Geography for the period 2012 to 2019 at School Certificate level. All school candidates who sat for these examinations within the years under review constituted the target population for the study. Statistical data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel with its in-built trend line capabilities. Quantitative analysis showed an overall decline of 15.2% in the number of students opting for Geography at School Certificate level from 2012 to 2019. Findings also demonstrated that male candidates were more likely to achieve a pass mark than female candidates. A t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between grades achieved by girls and boys at p < 0.05. Ultimately, a thorough analysis of chief examiners’ reports indicated that the recurring weak performances were often associated with rubric offences, and poor question comprehension.