Schools ready for final GSAT preparations
Published:Monday | March 23, 2015 | 4:54 PM
With one day to go before the sitting of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), several schools will be employing a spiritual platform as an outlet for students to relax.
Carol Blanchard, principal of the Mona Preparatory School in St Andrew, told The Gleaner on Monday that it will be a time of spiritual introspection and relaxation.
"We normally have a prayer service inclusive of the parents, past teachers, as well as the students, to get them relaxed. It is really to concentrate on God's goodness and ask for his guidance," Blanchard told The Gleaner.
"We are a Christian community, the spiritual aspect is important and so what we really want is the release of the Holy Spirit. We also do an ice-cream treat and a special lunch for them because we want them to feel special and to relax," the principal continued.
Similarly, Karlene Bisnott, principal of Vaz Preparatory School in Kingston, said though school will be in session today, it will be a light day.
"There will be a mini gospel concert, and various artistes will be passing through to share with them in addition to a special devotion in the morning. The students will also get the chance to showcase their talents during the concert, as an outlet for relaxation," Bisnott said.
"We usually encourage them to take board games because we don't want anything heavy on that day. Our students will get the chance to have some fun before Thursday morning," she continued.
How to conduct themselves
For Olivene Green, grade-six coordinator at Howard Cooke Primary School in St James, it will a time of giving instructions on how students should apply themselves during the exams.
"On Wednesday, we will be giving the students tips on how to conduct themselves during the examination. We want to ensure that they follow instructions and that they manage their time wisely," she said.
Beverly Smith Williams, principal of the Moravia Primary School in Clarendon, noted that activities will be planned with the aim of motivating students.
"The plan is to let them watch a movie at about 11 or 12 o'clock just to lighten up things a bit. Teachers will then have the students for the rest of the day talking to their individual classes and motivating them. One thing is for sure, however - absolutely no work," she said.