Mixed reactions to SEA results in South

There were mixed reactions to the performance of primary school students in south Trinidad yesterday as the results of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) were released. Principal of the San Fernando Girls’ Anglican, Grace McQuan, said overall the results were good but some parents were disappointed. She said two students passed for Naparima Girls, four passed for St Joseph Convent, eight for Southern Academy, five for St Stephen’s College, but the bulk passed for San Fernando East Junior Secondary. She said three students have to resit the exam.

Principal of St Gabriel’s Girls’, Annmarie Braxton, said their performance was good since no student fell below the 30 per cent mark. However, she was disappointed with the essay marks and some students were disappointed with the schools for which they passed. From the 125 students who wrote, she said, 23 passed for St Joseph’s Convent, 19 for Holy Faith Convent, Penal, three for Naparima Girls, seven for San Fernando Central, 18 for Debe High, two for Asja Girls and a few for Open Bible High School. Principal of Penal Rock Road, who did not want to give her name, said her students did quite well.

Lester Victor, principal of San Fernando Boys’ RC, said overall the school did well because “the number of children passing for Presentation College was usually between 20 and 25 and we maintained that.”
Principal of the Grant Memorial Presbyterian, Monica Baksh, said the school excelled for yet another year as 70 per cent of students passed for their first choice. Among the happy students who celebrated passing for their first choice was Faith Webb, daughter of Guardian South Bureau editor Yvonne Webb.
Faith, who passed for Naparima Girls’ High School, said: “I am very happy and joyful. I thank God for all he has done for me.