A 2008 Taiwanese study suggests that twins perform poorer academically when compared to singletons, but the consistent excellent performance of Clarendon-born twins Shauntelle and Shaneque Edwards since they were two years old, pokes gaping holes in the theory.

The twins achieved 11 subjects each in the 2015 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, with Shauntelle receiving 10 grade ones and a grade two, and Shaneque obtaining 11 grade ones.

The results did not come as a surprise to the family, who attributed the success to a chain of excellence. Basil Edwards, father of the twins, said they have been straight-A students since kindergarten.

“At age five, I got a call from the principal of Mineral Heights Christian Kinder-prep asking me to come see her. She explained to me that the girls were advanced and she could no longer teach them. She encouraged me to enrol them at the primary school level because they had the ability to excel,” Edwards said.

But he said that this proved to be difficult since children at that age are supposed to be a part of the pre-school cohort. He was asked to strike a deal with the principal of the primary school, in which the girls would not be registered as part of the formal education system but would still be allowed to attend classes under evaluation. Edwards said the principal soon had second thoughts and took the offer off the table. He said that it was not until he brought work produced by the girls along with their report cards from the kinder-prep, that the principal finally agreed.

The issue of age never resurfaced as the twins continued to perform above their age.

The twins did a mixture of science and arts subjects at CSEC, including additional mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, history, literature, and Spanish, with the only difference between them being Shauntelle’s decision to pursue religious education while Shaneque did geography.

The Glenmuir High students said that in preparing for exams, they emerged from their rooms only to do chores and to take infrequent breaks. But even as they completed household duties together, the twins, who study apart and tackle different subjects at a time, found a way to support each other in studying.

“Even as they washed the dishes you could hear them quizzing each other and correcting each other when they had a blunder,” their mother Dorain Abrahams told the Jamaica Observer at their Clarendon home Wednesday evening.

During the interview, the girls were pleasant, exuding nothing but humility and grace as they acknowledged the work that their teachers and parents invested in their success.

“I am grateful for my parents; they are a constant source of support, always encouraging us, and reminding us that we are winners,” said Shauntelle.

The 16-year-olds said the road to obtaining a clean sweep of the CSEC exams was riddled with many challenges, including illness and commitment to extra-curricular and community activities, such as debate, Bible quiz, church, netball, and annual community cheerleading competitions, which often took them away from their studies.

They agree, however, that the activities helped develop their time-management skills.

But that was not the only challenge that sought to beset Shaneque. In fourth form, fainting spells became a common factor in her life. This proved to be a major hindrance to her educational development. But she said she was never daunted even when the headaches were unbearable and she was unable to attend school for days on end.

“I think of these challenges as a blessing. It helps me to become a better time manager and it teaches us to understand that in life when challenges arise you have to get up and brush off,” Shauntelle said.

The twins paused to encourage students who may be facing challenges studying.

“You should always pray and always remember that you are blessed having the opportunities to have access to an educational system that supports its students. Make use of it,” Shauntelle encouraged.

“Just remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.” She said that she can relate to this because she panicked and became nervous with her physics exam but she found the solution in being less nervous.

Shauntelle, who prefers arts-based subjects, said Glenmuir introduced additional mathematics to the school curriculum while they were in fourth form. Though fascinated by the subject, she was not infatuated. She, however, took up the challenge.

“There were many times I was tempted to give up, and I cried often, but thanks to my teacher Mr Edwards (no relation), I was encouraged to re-evaluate myself and embrace my natural ‘knack’ for science. When I started following his instructions, I wiped away the tears and soon I saw the light,” she shared.

Shaneque, on the other hand, an aspiring forensic chemist, professed her love for mathematics.

“I love maths, so I didn’t have any challenge at all; after all I am in love with the subject,” she bragged.

The Edwards girls were of similar mind on the subject which proved most difficult, simultaneously blurting, “Biology!” while they chuckled uncontrollably.

“There was something about the biology exam; it felt more difficult than all other exams. I think it was the way that it was worded. You know the subject, but the content felt so unfamiliar (and) more difficult to apply,” Shauntelle explained.

Her twin interjected by saying that while chemistry and math were not necessarily easy, biology “was just ambiguous. Because of the way it was worded, it was open to many interpretations”.

Through it all, the twins said that they are especially motivated by the time their parents invested in them.

“A child needs the support of their parents, and our parents were nothing but supportive,” said Shaneque.

The twins’ parents, while expressing admiration for their children, stressed the importance of the combined involvement of parents and children in the education process. They also encouraged children to grab opportunities with both hands when they present themselves.

“I admire their individualism and the unique personalities they have, but even more the moments they say and do things at the same time,” said Abrahams.

“Twins have special connections; there is some biological connections that they cannot escape,” their father added.

The twins are awaiting admission to Glenmuir’s sixth-form programme.