Focused testing, intensive preparation and individualized support helped yet another private religious school achieve above-average results in both Mathematics and English in the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE).
Rock Christian School Class Four teacher Hirute Yaicob said the school’s performance reflected a deliberate strategy that began at the start of the academic year.
“At the beginning of the school year, we did a diagnostic test so that I knew where every student was. Then we put a plan in place. We executed that plan and the results speak for themselves.”
She said she was “very much satisfied” with the outcomes, noting that many students scored in the high 90s, while Mathematics scores ranged from “97 to 100”.
“Our English scores were slightly lower as with the national average, but overall the school’s performance is above the national average in both math and English.
“English average is 77.8 and in mathematics our average is 80.9. So we’re well above the national average.”
Among the successful students was ten-year-old Madison Marshall, who sat the examination as an early candidate and earned a place at Harrison College:
“It didn’t really bother me. I just thought that I had to put in a lot of effort and a lot of work so that I could achieve passing for Harrison College.”
Marshall said she used her daily commute to revise difficult topics and spelling words:
“It took my mom and I 40 minutes to get to school. So, in that time, I took the time to revise my spelling, my different topics that I did not do so well in, and also just looking through the work that I did at school.”
Now preparing to leave Rock Christian, she admitted feeling “a little sad” but said she was “very elated” to have achieved her goal.
Fellow student Dyla Marshall White, who earned a place at Queen’s College, credited participation in a mental mathematics competition for boosting his confidence.
“I participated in the mental math competition and I came second and that motivated me to do my work for the upcoming examination.”
The aspiring scientist said he hopes to pursue a career that combines his interest in science and mathematics.
“I kind of want to become like a scientist because it requires a high level of mathematics and I find it interesting.”
Principal Avlyn Christie said students left the examination room feeling more relaxed than expected.
Principal of the Rock Christian School Avelyn Christie. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“The majority of them would have declared that it was a pleasant experience. It was easier than they thought it would have been.”
Reflecting on results day at the Christ Church school, Christie said emotions ran high as students celebrated placements while supporting classmates who were disappointed.
“As a family school, we celebrate and we weep together and we comfort those who might be disappointed.”
Looking ahead, Yaicob encouraged students to continue reading widely as they transition to secondary school.
“Continue to read, read a wide variety of literature because that is the foundation of all knowledge.”
She also urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education:
“Please don’t withdraw it. Continue to support them right through to CXC, CSEC, CAPE, and beyond because they really do need it still.”
(LE)
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