With the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination set for Tuesday, educators and students across several primary schools said the final hours were less about cramming and more about confidence, rhythm and trusting months or years of preparation.
At Welches Primary School, Class Four teacher Mona Jones reflected on a journey that began long before the final term. “This group of children… it has been a challenging time, but I’ve had them from Class Three and… I’ve seen their growth and progress and I’m quite pleased,” she said during an interview ahead of exam day.
Class four teacher at Welches Primary School Mona Jones (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
She explained her 14 students leaned heavily on teamwork as exams approached: “They have been very competitive in a very friendly way… they’ve also helped each other… they have worked towards improving themselves.”
Jones kept her expectations grounded but firm: “They know every time they had to give me 100 per cent of attention, and I expect 100 per cent of effort tomorrow… whatever they do is good enough for me.”
That peer support was echoed by head boy Aaron Prince, who admitted the process was demanding but worthwhile. “For me, it has been a little bit tough, but I have gotten through it and I feel ready,” he said, adding that he stepped in to assist classmates struggling in key areas: “I have been helping three of my classmates… in both Maths and English.”
Head boy of Welches Primary School Aaron Prince (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
At the Bay Primary School, principal Stacey Blunte said the focus has shifted firmly to the mindset. “At this stage, it is not about introducing any new concepts… it is really about building confidence to ensure that they approach this important milestone… knowing that they can do extremely well.”
Principal of Bay Primary School Stacey Blunte (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Blunte praised both staff and students for their commitment, noting that some pupils even requested extra sessions during the final stretch. “They even asked us to come in… so that they can have some extra classes… they’re very eager to finish off their preparation.”
Class Four teacher Dwayne Hayde emphasised structure and consistency as critical to success. “Children need rhythm. And when that rhythm is broken, they tend to forget what they would have learned,” he said, explaining why students attended sessions during the Easter break and even visited their exam venue. “We took them over to Graydon Sealy [Secondary School], where they would be setting the exam… to have a real feel for what it will be on May 5.”
Class four teacher at Bay Primary School Dwayne Hayde (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Students themselves appeared to be approaching the exam with a mix of nervousness and ambition. “Common entrance preparation has been very helpful and it has taught me to never stop believing in myself,” said student Maniyah Worrell, who has her sights set on Queen’s College or Harrison College.
Head girl of Bay Primary School Maniyah Worrell (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Bridgetown Seventh-day Adventist Primary School teacher Lance Ward underscored the importance of long-term consistency over last-minute revision. “We’ve been working… for me, one year consistently on all three areas,” he said, referring to English, Mathematics and Composition. Even the Easter vacation was used to maintain momentum: “We didn’t want them to lose anything.”
Class four teacher at Bridgetown Seventh-day Adventist Primary School Lance Ward (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
His advice to students heading into tomorrow was simple: “Go into the exam and understand that it is just what you’ve been doing… the names may change, the numbers may change, but the concepts remain the same.”
Students there were equally focused. “Preparing for the exam was a bit difficult at first because I had to learn new topics, but as I go, Sir Ward has been helping me,” said Hezekiah Roberts, who is aiming for Combermere School because of its strong athletic programme.
Class four student of Bridgetown Seventh-day Adventist Primary School Hezekiah Roberts (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
At Westbury Primary School where Wesley Hall Primary is temporarily housed, senior teacher Carlos Edwards acknowledged challenges, particularly in mathematics, but remained optimistic. “The students… have been coming along very good… all in all, the students will be progressing nicely, and I expect them to do pretty well in the exam,” he said.
Senior teacher at Wesley Hall Primary School Carlos Edwards. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
His approach blended traditional and practical techniques. “We use… past papers… and a lot of intense problem-solving exercises,” he said, adding that the broader goal extends beyond academics: “We also made sure that we try to make them well-rounded citizens.”
For students like Mekhi Harewood, the sacrifices have been great but necessary. “I lost a lot of the things I like to do until it is finished, but it is for a good reason,” he said. “I’m sure that when I get back my results, I’ll be happy with it.”
Class four student of Wesley Hall Primary School Mekhi Harewood (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
The emphasis on long-term preparation was consistent with what principals Collette Applewhaite of Grazettes Primary and Sophia Bentham of Eden Lodge Primary highlighted earlier this term.They stressed that readiness for the Common Entrance began from the moment students enter the gate and not months before the exam.
Principal of the Grazettes Primary School Collette Applewhaite
Principal of Eden Lodge Sophia Bentham
Principal of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary, Dr Marvalene Roach urged pupils and parents, ahead of the exam, to prioritise personal best over competition: “Your child needs to be the best he or she can be.”
Principal of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School Dr Marvalene Roach
For many students, that message seemed to have landed: do your best, stay calm, and trust the work already done.
(LE)
