Cheerful screams erupted at Moulton Hall Methodist Primary School, Port-of-Spain, yesterday eradicating what is normally a sombre and silent atmosphere.The screams echoed as boys and girls escaped the pressure of designated test rooms to destress and voice their relief at the conclusion of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA).This mirrored the scene in schools throughout Port-of-Spain yesterday as scores of pupils expressed their joy and relief at the end of months of rigorous studying which culminated in the stress-inducing, three-hour examination.Rynelle Gaskin, 11, could not contain her excitement or her happiness as she ran into her mother's waiting arms."I am so happy that it's finished. Now I just want to go home and relax," said Rynelle.Rynelle's view reflected that of most of the pupils who sat the exam.It seemed most of them were just looking forward to a time of relaxation after months of extra lessons and added pressure from both parents and teachers.
Jonathan Rodney, an 11-year-old pupil of Eastern Boys RC School, George Street, Port-of-Spain, said he felt the exam was challenging and added now it was over he would go home and think about heading for the school of his choice.This, he revealed, was South East Port-of-Spain Secondary School.St Catherine's Girls' pupil, Daniella Boucaud, said her parents had taken her to the beach on Monday to relax but despite that she got scared when she saw the test paper."My heart started beating really fast when I saw the test," said Daniella.
She added that to celebrate the end of the exam she and her friends would be going to join pupils from other schools at Movie Towne for some relaxation.According to Islyne Anne Thomas, principal of Moulton Hall Methodist Primary School, pupils had arrived from as early as 6.30 am yesterday to pray and mentally prepare for what was viewed as the first serious moment in their lives.Thomas said the SEA symbolised the moment a child's future was really shaped.She added: "The future of a child begins now. A lot will be measured by where the child passes for and this will begin to determine their future."