Parents urged to offer support to students as GSAT results near

The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is advising parents of children awaiting the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) results to be keen to offer support to relieve any tension and anxiety.

Thirty-nine thousand one hundred and twenty-nine primary-level students across the island sat the test over two days in March, the results of which are to be released by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information tomorrow.

Interim NPSC Chief Executive Officer AndrÈ Miller, in an interview with the Jamaica Information Service, said that while feelings of anxiety are normal at this time, it is important that the children receive support to reduce stress levels.

REWARD EFFORT

Miller said that rather than overanalysing what was done in the examination, parents should focus on rewarding the effort made.

"Parents should really encourage their children to relax and to feel good and to praise themselves for this achievement," he said.

Miller noted that it was also a good idea to help children refocus their thoughts through engagement in recreational activities as well as by reminding them of their strengths and capabilities.

He also said that while there is a lot of pressure for children to be placed in traditional high schools, parents should remind them that many non-traditional institutions have produced "world changers" in several fields, including research, sports, music, and politics.

Miller said it was important that parents visit the school in which their child has been placed and find out about the various academic programmes offered, while also helping the child to select activities that match his or her interests.