School enjoys sweet success

Attending a school labelled as failing by a former prime minister is one thing. And to be seen as a non-performer in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) because of the placement at the 'failing school' could be reason enough for most students to just go through the motion.

But not so for Chantal Campbell, a grade 11 standout.

She is on her way to doing further business studies armed with seven Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes and two Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) passes.

Akeem McKenzie is also on his way with eight CSEC and three CAPE passes while Tanya Hall picked up nine CSEC and two CAPE passes.

Business teacher Testena Hyatt spotted the talent in the three in 2009 and worked overtime along with other teachers and parents to show that good can come from Holy Trinity.

Significant improvement

The school is boasting significant improvement in the performance of most of its students and the staff, headed by Principal Sadpha Bennett, is beaming with pride.

"I am pleased to report that by the end of the year (last year) we were able to move 80 per cent of those students up by two reading levels, thanks to some hard work from our specialist teachers," Bennett told The Sunday Gleaner, which has been tracking the performance of the school since July.

The school has four literacy and mathematics specialists and this number should be increased this month as the Ministry of Education has promised one more literacy specialist and one more numeracy specialist.

Private-sector support is also on the way. "We have a good corporate partner in National Commercial Bank," Bennett reported.

"We've not yet finalised the package, but they should be coming on board with computers, software and various materials that should assist our programme."