SOUTH COAST restaurants, hotels and sports bars were again the hot spots for almost 4 000 children who completed the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination.
The children were the toast of the island as many of them were treated to food, movies, play parks and more. Geographic proximity was no factor as students from as far as St Stephen’s Primary were among the hundreds dining or enjoying the company of friends and family along the South Coast in places such as Accra Resort, Chefette and Divi Southwinds.
For the first time this year, Radisson Aquatica Resort opened its doors to the school children. General manager Gerry Lewis said it was a part of the resort’s effort to de-stress the children.
“We provided an outlet for the 11-plus students to relax and be pampered by us. We provided a buffet at a reasonable rate and they have free rein of the property. We marketed it to schools as a de-stressor where they can sit and relax after what would have been a very stressful year,” he said.
The Barbados Cruising Club offered a unique experience to the children. Located on Pebbles Beach, the children splashed around the beach and enjoyed water sports.
“This is the first year for us. We are trying to relieve stress by letting the kids go in the water after a hard day’s work. We will also be offering kayaking,” said instructor Adrian Howard.
Co-worker Philip Mastereid said it was important to have these kinds of events for the children.
“It shows hard work pays off and can be rewarded plus it’s always good to relax. When I did the 11-plus, I enjoyed relaxing afterwards and if I had access to something like this, I would have been real happy,” he said.
The MIDWEEK NATION spoke to some students prior to the celebrations as they ran into the waiting arms of their parents and guardians. The general consensus was the exam was easy and the children were confident of having done well.
“The maths was the hardest and the grammar the easiest, but I felt I did well. I want to go to [Christ Church] Foundation,” said Jaheim Lascelle.
Shareida Brathwaite said the exam was “all right”.
“It was everything the teacher taught us; it was not difficult. I enjoyed the paper and I can’t wait to graduate and go to The St Michael School,” she said. (CA)
