A perfect score in mathematics and a place at Harrison College have capped off a successful primary school journey for 11-year-old Jeremi Wright of St Cyprian’s Boys’ School.
Jeremi, who received his Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination results on Monday, said he was thrilled to secure a place at his first-choice school.
“I felt excited that I would be going to my first choice,” he said.
The Class Four student said he entered the examination feeling prepared after months of practice.
“I was confident knowing that I did exams almost every day that it would basically be the same thing,” he explained.
In addition to his school work, Jeremi attended extra lessons twice a week, although he admitted, “I wanted to stay home, though.”
His mother, Shamelia Wright, said she was pleased but not overly anxious throughout the examination period because her son has always been a dedicated student.
“It was not nerve-wracking or anything like that. He is generally a good student,” she said.
She credited the school’s preparation programme and consistent testing for helping him succeed.
“Lots of testing, lots of testing, at school, especially with the math.”
Despite the academic demands, Jeremi continued participating in extracurricular activities. His mother said he remained active in badminton with the Attackk Badminton Club and the national team.
When asked how he balanced school and sports, she replied simply: “Homework first, sports after.”
The family received another surprise when they learned he had earned a perfect score in Mathematics.
“I was happy because I was happy for him. He did get to the school he wanted to go to. He’s going to Harrison College,” she said. “I was shocked because he got 100 in math.”
A visit to Harrison College before the examination helped confirm the school’s place at the top of Jeremi’s list.
“Yes, he did,” his mother said when asked if he toured the school. “And that solidified his ‘Mommy, I’m going here.’”
Jeremi agreed that the visit left an impression.
“I was surprised at the size,” he said.
His father, Jared Wright, was equally proud of the achievement but insisted the credit belonged to his son.
“I can’t take any of the credit from Jeremi,” he said. “He’s a child that knows what he wants and is willing to put in the work to go after what he wants.
“My job was just really in helping him remember who he was and what he was capable of.”
While the family celebrated with dinner at his favourite restaurant, Jared said the results were not unexpected.
“I wasn’t surprised. I was very, very happy,” he said. “I know what my son is capable of.”
At St Cyprian’s Boys’ School, Deputy Principal and Class Four teacher Kevin Hurdle said staff members were confident the students would perform well.
Deputy Principal and Class four teacher at St Cyprian’s Boys School Kevin Hurdle. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“We were quietly confident that our boys would perform at a high level,” he said. “Not only were they well prepared, this particular year group was one that has been monitored for a number of years producing a very high standard of results.”
Hurdle explained that the school used a “multi-tiered approach” to prepare students, combining traditional teaching methods with multimedia tools and engaging lessons designed specifically for boys.
“I was elated,” he said. “Very proud to be proud of the process whereby these boys can begin to show the potential that they have academically.”
He also praised the students’ ability to balance academics with extracurricular activities with most of the class being involved in school teams.
“The fact that our boys could show that they could balance these things along with their academics, I think, bodes very well for the future.”
As Jeremi prepares to begin classes at Harrison College in the upcoming school year, his parents are encouraging other families facing future examinations to focus on support rather than pressure.
“Do not pressure the children,” his mother advised. “They will do what they need to do. Just encourage them.”
His father offered similar advice.
“Remember who your children are and help them remember who they are and what they’re capable of,” he said. “Children are resilient. They’re amazing, and they have capabilities beyond what we often give them credit for.”
(LE)
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