Brilliant Shaynel does it again

Eastern Portland

In what has been described by some educators as a remarkable display of academic prowess, 15-year-old student, Shaynel Hines, of Titchfield High in Portland has successfully completed Unit 1 of all three Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) mathematics subjects.

Shaynel, who first displayed her brilliance last year when she secured a distinctions in mathematics and additional mathematics in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) at age 14, while in grade 9, was back at it again, but only this time her accomplishment was even more impressive than before.

The grade-10 student acquired grade two in applied maths, grade one in integrated mathematics, and grade one in applied maths in the just-concluded CAPE Unit 1 exam which, according to many in the field of education, is arguably the most outstanding performance by a 15-year-old student in recent times.

“Historically, the only recorded instances of students in Jamaica completing a CAPE mathematics unit before the final two years involved those in grade eleven (fifth form), who tackled a single unit of pure mathematics,” commented Tyreke Anderson, Hines’ maths teacher at Titchfield High.

He added, “Shaynel has surpassed these records by completing not just one, but three units ahead of time. This prodigious mathematical talent has demonstrated exceptional mastery of advanced concepts, proving herself well beyond her years. As she (Shaynel) enters her final year of secondary school, she is on track to complete both Unit 2 of CAPE applied and pure mathematics, alongside her CSEC subjects.

“Her achievement not only sets a new standard for academic excellence, but also positions her as a trailblazer, poised for academic greatness. Shaynel’s accomplishments are a strong indication that this is just the beginning of a promising future in any discipline she chooses to pursue. This unprecedented achievement is not just a personal triumph for Shaynel, but also a significant milestone for education in Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

Sleepless nights

Hines, who hails from the quiet community of Somers Town in Port Antonio, Portland, pointed out that it took hard work, sleepless nights, and commitment for her to achieve what most deemed as accomplishing the impossible at her young age.

“So, it was about six months of extra work, separate from my regular school work, which took a lot,” she said.

“There were days when I felt like I was taking on too much, but there were people backing me including my mother, colleagues, people from my community, family members, and the teachers at Titchfield. And so my teacher and I managed to work out a formula to study, which wouldn’t interfere with my regular homework and internal exams, as somehow it had to work. But arguably my biggest supporter was my mother and teacher, who kept on encouraging me.

“On the day of the exam I wasn’t nervous, as I knew what needed to be done and I was banking on remembering all the topics I’d studied. The time allotted was somewhat short, but I did my best, and it paid off. Special thanks go out to my grandparents, who continue to support me in my endeavours and also the supporting staff at Titchfield,” she concluded.

In the meantime, Principal Richard Thompson said he is getting accustomed to Hines doing amazing things, especially when it comes on to mathematics which, according to him, has resulted in the school implementing a special programme of advancement for students in various disciplines. This, he said, will allow for them to tackle CSEC and CAPE at an early age, rather than waiting to do so at fifth form.

“She is an amazing student that continues to do well, irrespective of her young age. Having seen the results I am extremely delighted, not surprised, because she would have shown us what she is capable of,” said Thompson.

“It’s an unusual feat and it deserves all the highlight it is getting. It is a significant feather in or caps and, having seen that performance last year, we would have met with Mr Anderson and agreed that we need to develop an individualised learning plan for Shaynel. That was done and she was allowed to forego mathematics in fourth form, in terms of CSEC maths in her regular classes, and focus on maths at the advanced level with his support and the understanding of teachers that needs to be the way that we move forward.

“So, genius also needs support and I think we would have done that. We are also documenting so that we are able to apply a similar approach if we identify other students with that ability. So, for us it is something noteworthy, something to be highlighted, something to be seen as an example by other students. In fact, we would have witnessed quite a number of other students from lower school gravitating towards Mr Anderson and Shaynel. Her achievements ought to be recognised and, as a school, it is something that we ought to highlight,” he added.

For Shaynel’s mother, Ann-Marie Weston, her daughter’s success in CAPE Unit 1 of mathematics comes as a result of what she described as hard work and commitment on the part of the teacher who, according to her, guided Shaynel throughout her quest and leading right up to the actual exam.

“When the teacher told me about entering Shaynel in the CAPE Unit 1 mathematics, I was taken by surprise. I was thinking that she was still very young, only in fourth form; can her brain handle all of that? But I gave in eventually,” she said.

“Her grandparents were much more confident than I was, but after they managed to work out a study and practice schedule, my confidence in her returned and I spent sleepless nights ensuring that she covered all the topics. Sometimes I had to beg her to get some rest, but her usual response was, ‘Mommy, I am not tired’. I am so proud of her and her success. I don’t know what’s next, but whatever comes, we will be ready,” she concluded.

editorial@gleanerjm.com