" Panic Semester"

                                     " Panic Semester"

Happy New Year!! -better late than never. The new school year has been a rocky one for the education system in Jamaica. However, we must not loose hope.
We are into, what I like to call the "panic semester". After taking the day off work to attend report day to collect the first semester's report, some parents will now face the ugly reality that- this 'pickney' (child) is certainly not ready for exams.

For tutors, this is the peak season. Many parents will now find themselves pushing their child/ children like wheel borrows by way of hiring a private tutor.
The monster called Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) sits at the top of the list. These children have no life; extra lessons six days for the week and not to mention the Sunday sessions for the private tutor to come and work miracles.

Many of these children are so terrified of not securing a place in one of the top fifty schools, that they themselves will 'park' everything and go into overdrive. It is painful to watch, and we are sending the wrong messages to our future leaders.

Students who are at the high school level know that this semester is crunch time. Those who were just gliding along, with their nonchalant attitudes are suddenly awaken to the sad reality that, May June CXC exams are creeping up on them.

When panic sets in, the ingenuity of students 'kick' in. You know, that at this time of the year note books disappear, class attendance is at full capacity and oh! instead of gathering on the weekends for partying they are huddling at the library or school swotting what they can.

We as parents,guardians and educators, need to help inculcate a love for learning- instead of teaching them the band aid approaches.

Have a High Flyer day!!!!!!