The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has expressed satisfaction with classes held over the Easter vacation for Class 4 students, aimed at preparing them for the upcoming Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE).
The union had previously called for the postponement of the exams owing to multiple disruptions from environmental issues at some schools and persistent learning challenges spurred by the onset of COVID-19. But the Ministry of Education remained resolute in its decision that the BSEEE, commonly referred to as the 11-Plus or Common Entrance Exam, will remain May 7 as scheduled.
BUT President Rudy Lovell highlighted the dedication of educators who utilised the holiday to boost their students’ readiness.
“Originally we wanted the date to be pushed back, but the ministry did not budge so the teachers would’ve worked over the Easter vacation to bring students up to a level of readiness for the exams,” he said.
Despite earlier concerns about insufficient preparation time, Lovell expressed optimism about the outcomes of the teachers’ effort: “We are hopeful that students who benefitted from the delivery of education over the vacation period will perform well. We want to wish them the very best in their exams.”
Noting that preparations are in full swing for the May 7 sitting of the exam and all schools are ready for students to return to the classroom on Tuesday following the Easter break, Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw said: “I look forward to a productive term and to working with the unions and other partners in education to ensure our students receive the best education.” (SM)
