Class Four students to sit BSSEE tomorrow

COME tomorrow morning, over 3 300 Class Four students will finally be able to sit the 2020 Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination commonly known as the 11 plus.

This comes some two months after the original date of Tuesday May 5, which had to be scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students are not expected to wear masks during the examination following an amendment to the protocols on the wearing of masks in the classroom.

Back in mid-June Chief Education Officer (Ag) Joy Adamson reportedly stated the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training had consulted with Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anton Best, who informed the Ministry that the aspect of the Guidelines for the Safe Reopening of Schools in Barbados, which states: “Enforce the wearing of face masks at all times while on the compound”, would be amended.

She added that the Ministry of Health and Wellness recommends the following: “In circumstances when children are stationary and physically distant – six feet apart – from each other (such as in the classroom or during examinations), fabric face coverings or face masks may be removed.” The Acting Chief said the amendment also applied to teachers.

In an announcement through the Government Information Service the Ministry advised that all students sitting the exam should prepare for it with a good night’s rest and a nutritious, healthy breakfast. Parents and guardians need to provide a simple packed lunch for their child or ward for example, sandwiches, a boxed juice, and fruit.

Additionally, each child must have the following supplies: stationery (pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler), mask and sanitiser. Students should arrive at the examination centre early – no later than 8.30 a.m. – and parents and guardians are asked to encourage their children to do their best, and leave them with positive, uplifting words. Students should be dropped off at the security gate of the examination centre. Parents or guardians will not be permitted on the compound and are urged to observe all of the physical distancing and safety protocols in effect.

They should also be present to collect students from the examination centres at approximately 1:00 p.m.