Joy and apprehension at Tobago SEA results

There were scenes of rejoicing at primary schools in Tobago following yesterday’s release of Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination results by the THA’s Education Division. However, this was mixed with disappointment by some students, as well as teachers and parents, over the schools at which students were placed.

With more than enough school places now available in Tobago, the focus is no longer on who “passed” but on whether students got their wish in being placed at the school of their choice. The general feeling was that students who were placed at the newly established Mason Hall Government Secondary and Goodwood High schools had somehow “failed.” This was clearly evident as the results were being announced at Scarborough Methodist Primary. At the mention of these two schools, there were murmurs of disappointment amidst the deafening silence; for Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive the response picked up, but at the mention of Bishop’s High School, the ecstatic screaming exploded amidst wild scenes of jubilation as almost everyone crowded around congratulating the “lucky” student who would be going to Bishop’s.

Over at Scarborough RC, the situation was the same; some children actually “steupsed” dismissively at the mention of either of the two newly established secondary schools. One girl was so apprehensive that she might not be placed in her school of choice that emotions gave way and she had to be consoled by a teacher. Additionally, students expressed frustration at the delay in announcing the results. “They say they announcing the results at 10.00; it now five past ten, they only frustrating people,” one of them cried. However, teacher Jacqueline Dillon stressed the importance of prayers particularly at that time. “Remember, whatever result you get this morning is God’s will,” she told the visibly restless children. “So whatever school you are placed in, you will go and do your best!” she urged. The question of whether the 915 SEA students in Tobago would be placed was never an issue, since, according to THA Chief Secretary and Secretary for Education Orville London, some 1,050 secondary school places would be available in the island come September.