Mixed Reactions to Ascot Primary Graduation Controversy

“A sad day for education” was the reaction from Former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewelyn following reports that dozens of students at Ascot Primary School were barred from wearing gowns at their graduation ceremony after not meeting the school's expected standard in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams.

But while she's condemning the decision, at least one education stakeholder is taking a less critical stance.

On Saturday, reports emerged that some students at the school in Portmore weren't allowed to fully participate in their graduation ceremony after receiving low results in the recent PEP exams.

It is understood that the students were barred from wearing caps and gowns but were instead told to wear their uniforms. The so-called low-performing students were made to march behind their high-performing peers and were seated at the back of the graduating class.

CVM news further understands that the school had informed the affected families beforehand of the arrangement and according to the school, the parents agreed. It was also agreed that these parents would pay a reduced graduation fee. But the report quickly drew public criticism. The Education Ministry on Sunday released a statement condemning the school administration for what it describes as inappropriate and unacceptable treatment of the students.

Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said, "No child should experience humiliation, exclusion, or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development."

Also of this view, is the Former DPP, who said, “If this particular school is not careful, they are going to be putting these children on a path which is negative. You are supposed to be building up the child, their ability to self-actualise and self-motivate. You are putting them on a path, irrespective of whether they got 100 or they just got above the pass mark, or even if they didn't get the pass mark.”

Llewelyn who was speaking at a recent graduation ceremony for students at Prospect College says she believes the school should issue an apology.

“When this school, if the reporting is correct, sets up these artificial distinction – it is a sad thing for education and I really hope that they come out with clarification, or if it is really so that this happened, an apology and a promise that this sort of delineation will never happen again.

In its statement, the Ministry of Education quoted Ascot's principal as being apologetic for the controversial decision, saying, "Where any of my students have been wounded or scarred, I am woefully sorry and wholeheartedly apologize for this unintended outcome."

But according to President of the Jamaica Association of Principles of Infants and Primary Schools, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Scott, who says he has spoken directly to Ascot's principal, the school is standing by its decision.

Scott said, “My understanding is that he did not apologize. I spoke to him about that and he said he did not apologize. He said he stands by the decision of the school, as they want to improve the standard of students.”

 But he is taking a less critical stance, insisting the arrangement was communicated beforehand and accepted by parents.

“In fact, the ministry has published guidelines surrounding graduation cost and excessive cost, but there's no real regulation surrounding graduation. And therefore, we believe from the association’s perspective that if the school principal along with the school board and all the stakeholders, including the parents, come together and they you know agree to a particular policy.”