Top boy confident of doing well

Some of the island’s top performers in the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination (BSSEE) were successful in passing for their school of choice despite the challenges associated with online learning.

Top boy overall Azario Gooding who hails from St George Primary, said he knew he was always going to do well but did not expect this level of success.

On Tuesday, when Gooding, who was accompanied by his parents, collected his examination results slip he told reporters: “I am a little bit surprised. I didn’t expect to be top boy but I expected to be in the top 15.”

When asked about learning on the e-platform, he said: “It wasn’t that difficult but it was a certain level of difficulty.”

Gooding received 100 in English, 97 in Mathematics and an ‘A’ in composition.

He said Queen’s College was his school of choice and in the future he wanted to own his own business and be a part time historian.

He thanked his teachers, parents and peers who helped him along the way.

His mother Sharon Gooding said that her son was always a focused and well disciplined boy and she knew he would do well. However, just like her son she was shocked when it was announced he was the top male performer.

Senior teacher Allison Ellis-Blades said that the staff at the school was able to put together a good well-rounded school experience for the students and she was proud that her school not only produced the top boy but other high achievers.

Trekeil Parris, who earned 98 in English, 96 in Mathematics and an ‘A’ in composition, was placed 12th overall and he passed for Harrison College.

Jadon Fields placed 15th. He got a B in composition, 98 in English and 96 in Mathematics and passed for Queen’s College, the school of his choice.

Top overall student Renelle Best, of St Gabriel’s Primary had perfect scores in each subject and she is off to Queen’s College in September.

Best, who is vacationing with family overseas, received the good news from the acting principal of her school Alexina Chandler, who said the 11 year-old was “over the moon”.

Chandler said Best’s performance was mind blowing, adding that each child who sat the exam from that school had their individual strength and should be celebrated as well. (SZB)