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Parliament
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Ben Smith, MP

Ben Smith, MP

738
Speeches
138,286
Words Spoken
67
Sittings Active
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
29 words
Can the Minister provide details on the assessments that were done in preschools? Because the indication is that 90 per cent met the established standards for literacy and numeracy.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
43 words
So this seems to indicate that there was only a small percentage of the preschool population that was flagged for needing interventions. Right? So, if the starting point of our education process is doing really well, at this 90 per cent rate, —
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
90 words
—it would determine that once they are handed off to primary school, we are actually in a good position. Because this assessment is saying that. So, if we can get some more detail on what that assessment is. And if it is , in actual fact, getting us that level of detail so that we know who is going to …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
5 words
Yes, for Primary Schools, 1705.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
23 words
The measure[/indicator] says P4 to P6 achieving targeted growth for reading. Only 60 per cent achievement after a target of 65 per cent.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
76 words
So can the Minister please give an indication of the numbers? The assessment is looking at three or higher. So what is the number? Like, explain to us what one is, what two is, what three is, how high up does it go? So that we have an understanding. Because the number just says “3”, we don't really know. And …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
5 words
Yes. What does that mean?
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
92 words
And then what percentage is reaching the highest number? What percentage is reaching the lowest number? Because this is simply talking about what is reaching what was the target? And the percentage of people reaching the target was 60 per cent. So, what are those other indicators so that we have the data to assess how the primary schools are …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
40 words
So, in here it talks about students who have taken the IGCSE [International General Certificate of Secondary Education] at this stage at Middle School. And it says “Students passing IGCSEs (English and Math),” and it is at 85 per cent.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
110 words
My question is, What percentage of students in middle school are taking these exams so that we have an understanding of what portion of the student population is in this category that is getting to this level early and being able to get there at this 85 per cent mark? And at the same time, would it be possible for …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
2 words
Yes, correct.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
136 words
How many IGCSE exams are available to the students? Right? Because some people would have taken those exams in middle school in English and math, so if we could get an indication whether there are multiple other subjects that would then be available to them in secondary schools so that they can continue on that path of success. So, if …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
4 words
Give me a minute.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
246 words
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I'm now going to move on to [page] B-147, Early Childhood Education. It is 1712. So considering the increase in resources that has been given, why is the forecast of assessments dropping from 600 screenings in 2024/25 to 400 in 2025/26? I know that we have a declining birth rate. Is this an indication …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
1 words
Correct.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
380 words
And considering th at early intervention is going to be really important in making sure that we are giving the support to students on their educational journey , the number seems to be low for the people that are receiving the intervention. I could be wrong, so if the M inister could give us kind of information on that . …
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
16 words
And it's going to come under . . . it's still under the head of Education—
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
5 words
—but line item is 75008.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
2 words
Minor Works.
16 May 2025 House of Assembly
Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly
321 words
So, would the M inister be able to give us a breakdown of the schools that would be receiving and just an indication of what potential M inor Works are going to be needed at these facilities ? You know , as the school year goes through there are certain things that would have been noticed, brought to everyone's attention …