Tobago students credit prayers and hard work after writing SEA

2026-03-27 - 02:23

Stephon Nicholas Tobago Correspondent Tobago students have credited hard work and prayer for helping get them ready for yesterday’s Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). Education Secretary Orlando Kerr said approximately 1,005 students wrote the exam and the process went smoothly. From approximately 1 pm yesterday, parents began camping outside Signal Hill Government Primary School and Scarborough Methodist Primary School eagerly awaiting the students. Students were greeted with balloons and other treats to reward them for their hard work. Signal Hill student Thyeem Lemessee was welcomed by his parents and cousin and described the examination as easy. He said he prepared by balancing work and play. Asked about the mathematics paper, he added, “The Mathematics was not challenging. It was pretty good.” He planned to head to the skating rink in Bon Accord to hang out with his friends. His schoolmate Ethan Charles said he encountered no challenges with the exam and prepared well. His father, Elton Charles, described him as “a steady A student” and said he did not have to push him too much. “I know what he can do, and I know he’s gonna do well in his exam,” he said. He intends to take him to the skating rink, beach and the mall to celebrate. Signal Hill student Destinee McPherson said she was relieved the test was over. “It was a little bit challenging, but I think I did well,” she said. She said her parents told her just to believe in herself. Whim Anglican Primary student Faith Graham said the exam was “very stressful, but I know that God was with me.” She said she intends to read a book to relax. At Scarborough Methodist Primary School, pupil Adrianne John said section two of the Mathematics was a bit tricky. “It was challenging, but I pushed through. It wasn’t so difficult that I didn’t know what to do,” she said. Adrianne is optimistic about passing for her first choice, Bishop’s High School. Schoolmate Na’imah Burris, 11, is also confident of attending Bishop’s. “I know that I did my best and I just wanna thank the Lord for helping me complete this exam to the best of my ability,” she said. Na’imah said the Maths and Comprehension were easy, and she is eagerly awaiting the results. At yesterday’s post-Executive Council media briefing, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine congratulated the students but reminded them the exam was just one step in their academic journey. He said he was aware of the pressure involved in the “high-stakes” assessment but said all students will get a high-quality education whichever school they pass for.