Good examination results

It is refreshing to hear that we achieved bumper crop results in both A’ level and CSEC examinations this year. It may be difficult to point to a single contributory factor, so there must have been a combination of factors that came together to bring about the successes. If we could identify these we would have found the formula for success.{{more}}

Hard work brings success

Success is the end result of hard work, persistence and the ability to stay focused in the midst of distraction. It is not an easy task for anyone to succeed in an examination without the relevant preparatory work, and many students who succeed would tell you about the long hours of study while they burn the “midnight candle.” Electricity has made it even easier to stay up until the midnight hour to reinforce what was learnt or to explore new information.

From eight to twelve subjects

Students’ motivation and a burning desire to do well are important factors in the quest for success. When students know that the goal is attainable they would be encouraged to work hard to achieve it. For the past few years we have seen students work their way from eight to eleven and twelve subjects in the CXC/CSEC examinations. This year, three students attained eleven grade ones in the examinations. This phenomenal performance has not gone unnoticed by the nation, and we are hoping for even better results in the years to come. Vincentian students must know that they have the ability to perform as well as other students in the Caribbean and elsewhere, and I am expecting the day when one of our scholars would make an important discovery or invention that would help to improve the lives of mankind. Our resources are limited and we are a small nation, but we have talents in our people which would crystallize one day. I have that faith in our people

Factors determining success

Equally important in the quest for success is the support that our children get from the school, the home and the community. These must provide the right atmosphere to promote learning. No amount of intelligence would suffice if children do not have the right conditions at school and at home that promote learning. The teacher is an important factor in motivating and inspiring children and in making them comfortable so that school would be a happy place. Parents have an important role to play in supporting the school by encouraging their children to behave well and by supervising their homework. Any antagonistic attitude to the school could be conveyed to the children and could prevent them from learning. Equally important is the role of Government in providing the necessary physical structure and teaching instruments, including computers. The age of computers is upon us and we can do wonders with the information available on the internet.

Congratulations to all the successful students. I am encouraging those who did not perform well to try harder the next time. Do not give up. The new fifth formers are hereby put on notice.

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com