Calm before challenge as pupils sit 11-plus exam

Hundreds of pupils entered examination centres nationwide on Tuesday morning with a mix of nerves and determination, supported by parents who prioritised their children’s well-being over performance as they sat the common entrance examination.

A total of 124 students from St Silas Primary, St Albans Primary, Good Shepherd Primary and St James Primary arrived at Frederick Smith Secondary School in St James to sit the exam – formally titled the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination (BSSEE), accompanied by parents who, for the most part, were focused on one thing: their children’s well-being over their scores.

For Alinka Simon and her son Ronaldo, a student of St Albans Primary, the morning began with a sense of routine. While Alinka remained composed, young Ronaldo admitted that the gravity of the day was starting to set in.

“He was calm and he was just ready for what he got to be,” Simon said. “I don’t have any expectations. Whatever he does, that’s it.”

Ronaldo, however, was a bit more candid about his headspace:

“I’m feeling a little bit nervous. Last night, I was just trying to sleep… just trying to get the adequate sleep I needed.”

Similarly, for Claire Gittens — a student of St Silas Primary — the lead-up to the big day involved a rollercoaster of emotions.

“Yesterday I was almost going to cry, but I went by my auntie and I cooled off,” Claire told Barbados TODAY. “I’m feeling nervous [this morning].”

Her mother, Gina, was quick to offer support: “Whatever she does is good with me, but you know she is going to do well.”

Preparation was a common theme among the parents of Good Shepherd Primary. Iyoka Lewis, mother of Ariel Daniel, noted that the journey to the exam room was paved with consistent effort.

“I wrote her lessons about five days a week,” Lewis explained. “Honestly, I really don’t have any expectations. I just want her to go in there and give her best. Whatever she does is well done.”

Young Ariel echoed the sentiment of many of her peers, describing her mood as simply “anxious”.

For student Rynisha Gilkes, the goal was to push through the fear:

“I’m feeling kind of nervous and I’m scared to do the exam, but I’m going to go in there and try my best.”

Outside the gates, teachers were seen rallying their pupils. Katrina Beresford of St James Primary School stood proudly with her cohort, projecting a sense of calm that she hoped would rub off on her students.

“I feel calm and confident they will do their best,” Beresford said. “A lot of work went into preparing for today. They worked hard, they’re dedicated, they’re committed, and I believe that they will come out even better than I even expect.”

As the bells rang and the students filed into the classrooms, parents remained outside — some in prayer, others in quiet conversation — waiting for their children to complete this significant milestone in their educational journey.

Students of Good Shepherd Primary jubilant ahead of their exam this morning

A Common Entrance candidate gets a warm embrace from her mom ahead of her exam at Fredrick Smith, St. James

A teacher at neigbouring St. James Primary encourages of her students ahead of her exam at Fredrick Smith

A student from Good Shepherd ensured that she got hugs from both her parents before writing her exam at Fredrick Smith in St. James

A parent does final checks with her son ahead of his exam

(RR)