QC toasts ‘exceptional academic achievement’

Queen’s College proudly showcased remarkable academic accomplishments on Tuesday, as students were recognised for their stellar performances at its annual Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony. 

With an impressive overall pass rate of 96.4 per cent at the CXC Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level and a 97.6 pass rate at the [Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level, the event celebrated the school’s commitment to educational excellence and the hard work of both students and teachers alike.

Deputy Principal Dr Charmaine Foster presented the Principal’s Report, highlighting the exceptional performances that underscore the institution’s commitment to transformative excellence in education. Principal Mitchelle Maxwell is currently on a study tour of schools in the United States with fellow principals as the Ministry of Education ramps up its reform preparations.

Dr Foster announced that 14 CSEC subjects achieved perfect 100 per cent pass rates.

She told the gathering in the hall of the Husbands, St James school: “Of the 22 subjects offered in CXC CSEC, there was a pass rate of 100 per cent in 14 subjects. The remaining eight subjects registered passes that ranged from 86.1 per cent to 96.6 per cent, with three of those subjects registering pass rates above 95 per cent, and four other subjects registering a pass rate between 90 per cent and 94 per cent out of these subjects.”

She added: “Out of these subjects, there were 528 Grade Ones, 440 Grade Twos, and 181 Grade Threes. In reviewing the performance of our students at CXC CAPE Unit One, there was an overall percentage pass rate of 97.4 per cent, with 21 subjects registering a pass rate of 100 per cent.”

Dr Foster further explained: “Of the remaining two subjects, one recorded a pass rate of 92 per cent, and the final subject registered a pass rate of 50 per cent. These results comprise 158 Grade Ones, 163 Grade Twos, and 92 Grade Threes.”

Overall, the results of the CAPE exam, sat by sixth formers, registered exceptional performances, with an overall pass rate of 97.6 per cent.

Aziz Harrison holds his prize for Most Improved Student of 4th Form.

“Seventeen disciplines registered a pass rate of 100 per cent,” the deputy head said. “The remaining two disciplines recorded pass rates of 90 per cent and 67 per cent. These comprised 102 Grade Ones, 89 Grade Twos, and 60 Grade Threes.”

She toasted the teachers for their support in achieving these results. “To our incredible teachers, whose passion and dedication to education have been instrumental in guiding and inspiring our students.”

The principal’s report noted the complexities of educating students in a small-island developing state in an ever-evolving technology-driven global climate.

The deputy said: “As a small island developing state, our unique context demands a tailored approach to education that  emphasises technological core values and sources, ensuring that our students are equipped to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. We have been solid; we will embrace technologies, digital and financial. We will adapt curricula and pedagogy as required. We will be agile, innovative, creative, and lifelong learners. We will set and demand high standards of excellence.”

Dr Foster urged the students to ensure that they develop strong moral compasses and a commitment to the common good. “Soft skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are increasingly recognised as essential for success in the 21st century. These skills enable students to work effectively in diverse teams, solve complex problems, and navigate social and professional networks. In a small island like Barbados, where community and interpersonal relationships play a vital role, the cultivation of soft skills is particularly important.”

Students recognised as most improved were Tashonna Henry, Shanique Boyce, and Aziz Harrison.

The Principal’s Prize for Outstanding Service to the School went to Upper 6 Alpha 1’s Faith Greaves, Upper 6 Science 2’s Ayden Greenidge,  Danae Wickham of 1 Gamma, Taylor Parkinson of 2 Alpha, 3 Delta’s Denisha Fields-Caleb, 4 Epsilon’s Jonathan Broome, 5 Epsilon’s Daniel Wickham, Amereo Ifill of Lower 6 Science 2 and Upper 6 Alpha 1’s Riciann Alexander, who was also the school’s sole Barbados Scholarship winner. 

(LG)