FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, The Rock Christian School has taken a top position in the 11-Plus Exam.

Mario Simmons, who scored 252.31 B, with individual scores in math and English of 99 per cent and 93 per cent, respectively, is the top boy in the tests in Barbados. His effort will take him to Harrison College in September.

Class teacher Hiruteselassie Yaicob said she felt "happy and satisfied" withhis performance.

"He demonstrated great self-discipline and while you cannot predict these things, I did expect him to be among the top students," she said.

Yaicob credited a thorough covering of the syllabus with regular cumulative revision and a close relationship with parents as factors which helped her students do so well every year.

Simmons, of Apt 1, Harbour View Main Road, Whitehall, St Michael, said the exam was "simple".

"I feel good about it and I thought I would be the top boy. I did a lot of comprehension but sometimes it was hard to study, so I had to cut out television and video games," he said.

Principal Marcia Jenkins said it was a special occasion for them to finally reach the top.

"We do not believe in cramming so we handle the curriculum in a systematic way.

"Our children are exposed to the Word of God and every day we have prayed for the children to apply what they have learnt. After all, you cannot reap what you have not sown," she said.

Co-principal Allison Drayton added: "We just try to encourage them in aiming for 100 per cent and emphasise that they compete against themselves, not each other."