Composed and ready: Pupils tackle BSSEE

Well-prepared, confident, and determined to do their best. That was the mindset of many pupils who sat the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE) on Tuesday.

At Princess Margaret Secondary in St Philip, pupils from five primary schools – Hilda Skeene, St Catherine’s, Bayley’s, Reynold Weekes, and St Martin’s Mangrove – filed into the compound around 8:30 a.m., under the watchful eyes of parents, teachers and invigilators ensuring everything was in place.

A team from Barbados TODAY observed parents offering final words of encouragement and teachers conducting last-minute checks on exam kits before the start of the high-stakes assessment.

Among the candidates was St Catherine’s Primary pupil Kajarri Davis, who appeared calm and focused.

“I am well prepared and ready,” he said confidently. “My parents and teacher encouraged me to give my best and that is what I will do.”

His schoolmate and head boy Raphael McIntosh admitted to feeling a few nerves but remained optimistic.

“I am a bit nervous but I know I will do well,” he said.

Principal of Princess Margaret Secondary, Veronica Annel-Agard, said the morning’s proceedings went smoothly, with no disruptions to report.

“The police officers did security checks and the invigilators ensured students were assigned to the correct classrooms in time for the 9 a.m. start. I’m pleased with how things went,” she noted.

Over at Deighton Griffith Secondary in Kingsland, Christ Church, pupils of St Bartholomew Primary, Luther Thorne Memorial, Shirley Chisholm, Gordon Walters, Wills Primary and Big Little Academy did the exam.

By 12:15 p.m., the school’s surroundings were lined with vehicles as anxious parents waited by the gate to greet their children after the exam’s scheduled 1 p.m. end. Cheers, high-fives, and words of relief filled the air as students emerged.

Among the pupils were twin brothers Nathan and Malik King, both confident in their performance.

“It was okay,” said Malik. “I went in very confident. My mother and teachers really helped me to prepare for this exam so I would say it was pretty cool. I want to pass for Harrison College because, all round, it is a good school.”

His brother Nathan said he felt “good” after completing the test and was simply happy it was over. To celebrate, the duo planned a movie night and some downtime with friends and family.

Deputy head girl Riley Cadogan and prefect Reneisha Glasgow of Luther Thorne Memorial acknowledged that the exam presented some challenges, but they were proud of their efforts.

“It was challenging but I did my best,” Cadogan said. “To prepare, we revised a lot, cut out the social media. Now, to celebrate I will go and jump in the water at Pebbles Beach.”

Glasgow expressed gratitude to her teacher, Mrs Allamby, for guiding her through exam prep.

“She helped me reach this far in my academic journey,” she said, revealing plans to unwind at Dover Hotel to mark the occasion.

Classmate Niomi Broome said she found the experience rewarding.

“Although Grammar is my favourite subject, I found the Mathematics paper really easy,” she said. Broome, who previously visited Harrison College, also hopes to secure a place at the school.

Attempts to reach Deighton Griffith’s Principal Major Michael Boyce for comment on the day’s proceedings and the number of candidates the school accommodated were unsuccessful. 

(SZB)