Common Entrance Exam comes off without major hiccups

Minister of Education Kay McConney has reported that this year’s 11-plus exam, which is currently in progress, got underway without any major hiccups.

She told members of the media at Springer Memorial School that students, who were visibly excited and nervous, were generally on time for the 9 a.m. start of the examination.

“We saw a number of parents who were gathered at the gates, some are probably still there right now. But the wonderful thing is that we have had a good start thus far. We haven’t received any significant reports of problems so far.

“Three thousand, two hundred and ninety-five students have gone to take the exam this year, and for the first time, I am told that the boys outnumber the girls at this particular exam, and we really are looking forward to them doing their best and being able to see the results,” she said.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw and Deputy Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson are accompanying the minister on the tour of the examination centres.

Meanwhile, several students told Barbados TODAY that even though they were feeling “a little nervous”, they were ready to give the examination for which they have been preparing over the past year their best shot.

Several parents, many of whom have taken the day off from work, are currently camped outside the gates of examination centres awaiting the 1 p.m. finish of the examination. (AH)