Parental support necessary for exam success

Schools throughout Kingston and St Andrew have reported exceptional scores in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), despite challenges that have arisen this past academic year.

Windward Road Primary Vice-principal Dr Sharline Cole said there was "maybe" one case of a student being placed at a school not in their five choices.

However, Windward Road Primary is not without challenges.

Parental involvement is a key part of GSAT preparation, and Cole said that the school "has tried to get parents on board".

The school hosts "one-on-ones with parents" in order to "have them make wise selections of schools". Some parents, however, are "not as responsive, so now they are here complaining ... . The students who are not involved [with their studies] are the ones whose parents are not involved".

Proud father and Windward Road Primary teacher Shawn Adamson had nothing but praise for his Campion-bound son Roje.

"I make sure he studies on time, encourage him to do well, mostly," Adamson said. "I tell him, 'Hard work brings success'."

When asked if he was surprised by his son's success, Adamson chuckled.

"Not at all," he said, beaming.

Karen Siyanbola, principal at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School, emphasised that the school tells parents to "look at the school that is good for [their children]".

Campion-bound Lauren Barrette, a prefect at Sts Peter and Paul who received perfect scores, recalled how her family pushed her to excellence.

Lauren's aunt, who is her legal guardian, ensured that "on the holidays we would be here, in school", Lauren stated.

Lauren called her family immediately after discovering her score.

"My mom and sister in America were like, 'You go girl!'"

- George Tomblin