SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

The students’ academic performance plays a vital role in producing high-quality graduates who will become future leaders and contributors to national development. This study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors on the academic performance in mathematics of Grade 9 learners at Apyao National High School. The academic performance and socio-demographic profile of the learners—including gender, parents’ monthly income, distance from home to school, and ethnicity—were determined using an adapted survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables were used to summarize the academic performance and socio-demographic profile. To examine statistical differences and relationships, independent t-test was applied for gender, while Kruskal-Wallis test was used for parents’ income, ethnicity, and distance from home to school. Results revealed that the learners’ academic performance in mathematics was very satisfactory. While gender, income, and distance from home to school showed no significant relationship to academic performance, ethnicity was found to have a significant relationship. These findings suggest that certain socio-demographic factors may influence student performance in mathematics. It is recommended that educational stakeholders consider these factors when designing support mechanisms to promote equity in academic achievement.