UPCOUNTRY schools produced top science students, according to the Rwanda Advanced Certificate of Education results for 2013 released yesterday.

The examinations, released by Education minister Vincent Biruta, show that rural schools produced the top eleven candidates in sciences. 

Gilbert Tuyishime of GS Apapeb Byumba in Gicumbi District, Northern Province leads the list of top performers in Sciences, with a triple AAA in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Anastase Irumva, from Petit Seminaire Rwesero is second with AAA in Mathematics Chemistry and Biology while Moise Bonheur, from E.SC Byimana in Southern Province, follows in the third position with a score of AAA in Maths Chemistry and Biology. In fourth position David Ndabarinze from E.SC Musanze,   Northern Province, scored AAA in Maths, Chemistry and Biology.  Didier Ishimwe, from Petit Seminaire St Aloys Cyangugu, came in the 5th position with AAA in Maths, Chemistry and Biology as well.

Faith-based schools continued to shine. But this time round, little known schools from upcountry and some new ones across the country are among schools that produced best candidates.

Other schools that produced science candidates in the top 11 include Cornerstone leadership Academy in Rwamagana, ESI Kilinda and E.S Nyarutovu, Northern Province. 

However 337 of the candidates who registered did not sit the exams. Out of 31,125 candidates who registered for the exams only 30, 788 sat the exams.  

The results also indicate an improvement in performance compared to 2012. Candidates who passed are 27,329, representing 88.9 per cent, a slight increase compared to 2012 where out of 32,223 candidates who sat, 88.2 per cent passed.  For a candidate to pass they must score at least three subsidiary passes.  15,636 of the candidates who sat were females.

Dr Biruta observed that there was no big difference in the performance of females and male candidates.   "We are satisfied with the results because we have realised there is a very small difference in the number of male and female students who sat and passed,” Dr Biruta said.

Notable absentees on the list of best sciences performers are schools like Lycee de Kigali, Riviera High School, Lycee Notre Dame de Citeaux, Fawe Girls Schools and upcountry schools like GS Officiel in Huye District; however these schools still made it on the list of best performers in other subjects.

Other schools that had candidates among star performers are Gashora Girls Academy of Sciences and Technology in Bugesera District and Liquid Net Family High School at Agahozo Youth Village in Rwamagana which produced four candidates among the best 10 in English.

According to the results, some schools that topped in the Rwanda Ordinary Level examinations results, released last month also excelled in A Level.

These include Cornerstone Leadership Academy in Rwamagana, Nu Vision High School in Gasabo District and King David Academy in Kicukiro District.

Star performers speak out

I want to study Economics at University-Umutoni

The former student of Corner Stone Leadership Academy Rwanda, Jackie Umutoni was among the best candidates in History, Economics and Geography with AAA. The star student who did not expect to be among the best wants to study Economics.

She says her dream is to head a big bank after studying Economics and Banking at University.

"My dream is to study in the United States, especially in Michigan University. I do not know how to get there, but I always trust God will make it happen,” Umutoni told The New Times in an interview.

Asked about the secret to her grades, Umutoni said right from her first day in Senior Four, she committed to serious reading coupled religiously following the school principles of hard work and a sense of purpose.

She also had a word for those that supported her.

"I am also thankful to uncle Johnston Kamuzinzi who provided me with all I needed from school fees to scholastic materials. Without him I wouldn’t make it because my family had no financial means.”

Jerald Karuhanga, also a star performer from Corner Stone Leadership Academy attributed his success to the support of his teachers and family. He said reading hard and regular discussions and consultation with teachers and fellow students played a big part in his success.

Admissions

The release of A’ Level results come on the back of a number of reforms in tertiary education, like change scholarships disbursement and the merger of universities under one University of Rwanda.

"Unlike in the past, this time it will not be the Rwanda Education Board to deal with admissions,” said Biruta before adding: "Students will apply to the University of Rwanda.

Registration is expected by end of this month or early March.

According to the minister, results for 31 candidates in different schools were cancelled due to examination malpractices. The schools were not mentioned.

By logging on www.reb.rw, students can access their results. District education officers are expected to get the results for their schools by Monday.

Additional reporting by Pontian Kabeera