Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

BELLEFIELD, Manchester:

NERVOUS BUT confident, that is the frame of mind Brandon Wilson of Bellefield Primary School in Manchester is currently in as he awaits the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) which is set to get under way on March 21.

"I am a bit nervous with GSAT exams just weeks away, but I am confident that I have prepared well for it and that I will do very well," Brandon told The Gleaner.

Brandon, along with his teacher Leneive Watson, has stepped up the pace of studying. "My teacher has started Saturday classes now and our preparation has become even more intense," Brandon disclosed. "We have been working on a lot of past papers also and it has helped a lot in sharpening up for it (GSAT)."

The youngster has been getting some high scores in the past papers. "I have been scoring in the 90s and high 80s, so it kind of help to build my confidence to know that I can do it. My parents also continue to help me at home and that has also been helping a lot in my preparation."

Brandon said also he has 'conquered the dragon' in social studies, which was a subject he feared the most. He has been consistently working hard at the subject and said he is feeling much more comfortable in the area.

"The hard work (in social studies) has paid off. I knew that I had to improve in that area as it would affect my overall average, so I made sure that I paid more attention to it," he explained.

"I am okay in the other subject areas because I have done a lot of work in all of them."

Teacher pleased

His teacher is also pleased with the progress that her student has made during the period of preparation.

"Brandon has been doing very well," Watson said. "I am very confident that he will do very well in the exams. He has maintained his focus throughout and has been working very hard. All he needs to do is when he is doing the exams, just to try and relax, concentrate and he will be okay."

rural@gleanerjm.com