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Big GSAT blow-out planned for students

Published:Friday | March 23, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
Winsome Reid, vice-principal of Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston, getting her GSAT students pumped up before the start of the exam yesterday.
Avory Crooks-Campbell, parent of a student sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test at Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston.
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Grade six students at the Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston will be in for a treat after completing the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) examinations, as teachers plan a range of activities to provide an avenue for fun and relaxation.

Winsome Reid, vice-principal at the institution, said the staff was trying as best as possible to alleviate the worry that usually lingers in anticipation of the results. She, instead, wants the students to be focused on doing their best at all times.

"The teachers have been planning something for them. We have some-thing called the GSAT blow-out, which is for the kids to let their hair down, enjoy themselves and de-stress. I also know that they will have a trip in April and this is just another way to get them to relax," she said.

Reid also told The Gleaner that both days went fairly well, indicating that parents were highly supportive. "Initially, some of the children were crying, one boy started and everybody joined. But, eventually, we managed to get them relaxed and they did very well from feedback."

Lisa Bailey, vice-principal at the Mountain View Primary School in Kingston, said that despite the challenges, she expected good results from the 128 students at her school who sat the exam.

"Some say it was easy, but I don't like when they say it's too easy, because sometimes you find that they make some simple mistakes; but I expect great things," Bailey said.

In the meantime, Avory Crooks Campbell, a parent at Clan Carthy Primary School, admitted that there was a lot of stress for her as she assisted her son to prepare for the exams

"It has been stressful but I try not to stress him. He (her son) said yesterday (Thursday) was much easier than expected. He was expecting to have much difficulty with mathematics because that's a challenging subject for him," she said. "He seemed a little worried when I was dropping him this morning (Friday) but I prayed with him."

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com