The Education Ministry has denounced the actions of the leadership of the Ascot Primary School following reports that students deemed not “proficient” in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations were treated differently from the other pupils.

According to reports, the not “proficient” students were denied the opportunity to wear graduation gowns and were subjected to differential treatment during the Portmore, St. Catherine-based school’s graduation ceremony.

The Ministry has described the reported actions as inappropriate, contrary to the principles of equity, inclusion, positive discipline and inconsistent with the standards of care for children especially at the age of 11 or 12.

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Terry Ann Thomas-Gayle said the ministry has engaged with the principal Mark Jackson, who provided an explanation for the unfortunate turn of events.

It’s reported that the exclusion of students from wearing graduation gowns on the basis of academic performance was not intended to cause public humiliation, as this is fundamentally inconsistent with the values and principles of the school.

According to the Ministry, the principal said it was an agreed position following a meeting with the parents, especially for those who did not meet the criteria to participate in the graduation exercise.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said upon reflection, Mr. Jackson has expressed regret for the unintended outcomes.

The Acting Chief Education Officer emphasized her disappointment in the decision of the leadership of the school to have proceeded in this manner and reiterated that graduation ceremonies should celebrate every child’s successful completion of primary education.

She highlighted that graduation ceremonies are intended to celebrate the completion of a significant stage in a child’s educational journey and should never be used as a platform for public differentiation, stigmatisation or punishment.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle further noted that principals must remember this, even as they have to take tough decisions to ensure compliance with established standards.

Meantime, Minister of Education Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of examination outcomes.

She expressed that a student’s PEP results must never determine whether he or she is made to feel worthy of celebrating an important educational milestone.

She reiterated that the secondary pathways recorded on the PEP reports are designed to inform the development of the learning plan for the students so that they can improve on their learning journey.