DLP urges students, parents to stay focused after 11-Plus

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is urging students and parents to treat the Common Entrance Examination as just the beginning, calling for sustained effort, strong family support and deeper school engagement as pupils prepare for secondary education.

Quincy Jones, the DLP’s education spokesperson, commended the children for their resilience throughout the assessment period. He said the move to secondary education marks the start of a transformative chapter filled with opportunities and new challenges.

“Whether you achieved your first choice or not, you should be proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that brought you to this moment,” Jones said. “This examination is simply one step along the path of your education and personal growth. As you prepare to enter secondary school, a world of new possibilities awaits you. You will experience new schools, new opportunities, new subjects, new teachers, new friends and yes, new obstacles.”

The secondary school experience offers a platform for pupils to uncover hidden talents and develop key life skills, he said, encouraging incoming first-form students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“You will discover talents you never knew you had, develop skills that will shape your future, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Secondary education is a chance to challenge yourself academically, participate in sports, culture, clubs, and community service, and develop the confidence that will help you become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Turning to families and guardians, Jones said parental responsibility would increase during adolescence. He praised the sacrifices made so far but urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s academic lives on a daily basis.

According to the DLP, sustained parental involvement is critical during the secondary school years. The party is urging parents to follow a structured routine of engagement, including regular attendance at Parent-Teacher Association meetings, participation in parent-teacher conferences, and meetings with form and subject teachers at least twice each term.

Jones also pointed to the importance of attending year-level and orientation sessions, monitoring homework and attendance, and reinforcing positive behaviour, discipline and mutual respect.

The DLP also called for closer collaboration between schools and families across Barbados. It outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection between home and the classroom, including parent mentorship programmes in which adults can share professional experience and life lessons with students.

The opposition spokesperson also supported the creation of parent learning circles to address educational challenges, as well as family reading and literacy nights to encourage learning at home. The party further suggested building stronger parent volunteer networks for sports and arts activities, using digital platforms to keep parents informed, and hosting appreciation events to recognise contributions to school life.

Jones expressed pride in the country’s youth, describing them as central to Barbados’ future development. He encouraged students to approach the next stage of their education with confidence and a commitment to high standards.

“Embrace this next chapter with confidence, curiosity, and determination,” Jones said. “Believe in yourselves, work hard, treat others with kindness, and never stop striving for excellence. The future of Barbados is sitting in classrooms across this nation today. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we look forward to witnessing all that you will achieve.”  (RR)