Dedicated students, teachers praised for 11+ ‘success’

Principals at private schools touted for their success in the 11+ plus exams have declared there is no secret formula for their results.

In interviews with Barbados TODAY after the results were released on Tuesday, some of the heads of the island’s top private schools have hailed the dedication of their staff and the students.

The principal of the St Cyprian’s Boys’ Dave Lane, said: “The secret is discipline and hard work, commitment from the staff and working together with the parents… I believe you get out what you put in if you put in a lot of work you see it in the results.

“I’m extremely happy with the performance we are all pleased with the effort put in with the boys despite the challenges we had with COVID and whatnot, so we are over the moon.”

He also congratulated four of the early sitters from his school who Lane said all got their first choice. “They were always putting that extra to get across the line, so I am very happy for them,” he added.

Down the hill from Brittons Cross Road, at the St Gabriel’s School, Principal Angela Blackett was full of praise for top girl Ayobami Leon-Baker.

She said: “We are absolutely ecstatic and overwhelmed, we are delighted and very happy for Ayobami and her family. It has been a notable achievement this year because of all the changes and disruptions that the child has undergone.

“So despite all that her having done so well in the exam we are extremely happy.”

Principal of St Winifred’s Kim Lewis said her Class Four did not miss a beat when the country went into lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

St Winifred’s pupil Ishmile Alleyne produced the ninth best score overall.

Principal Lewis told Barbados TODAY: “I don’t think I was too surprised to be very honest, our kids were going to school every day through the four week period and they were working very hard. Ishmile was trying to get that top mark so good for him.

“The kids had it was so hard,  to keep the children focused for an exam that seemed to be changed all the time so I am very proud of them.”

She also congratulated those students who would have been struggling. “Our classes are mixed ability. To see those children where they have ended up with their final marks who wouldn’t be in the headlines I am extremely proud of them.”
(kobiebroomes@barbadostoday.bb)