There was much talk about the new Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam that replaced the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) at the primary level, as parents and students were nervous about the change.

However, with hard work and dedication, the grade six students at Iona Prep School in St Mary who sat the PEP exam earlier this year were all successful, according to the principal, Sophia Ormsby.

Ormsby told the Jamaica Observer North & East that not one child was ranked as a beginner in the PEP exams. She said all the students were either ranked as developing, proficient, or highly proficient.

To be ranked at the beginner level would mean the student demonstrates limited or no evidence of the required competence necessary at the grade level, while being ranked at the developing stage suggests that the student demonstrates partial evidence of the required competence necessary.

A child who is deemed proficient in the exams demonstrates adequate evidence of the required competence necessary, and the child who is highly proficient demonstrates an advanced level of competence necessary at the grade level.

Clifton Walker, who will be a part of the second cohort to sit PEP next year said that he is ready to take on the exam and is planning to come out on top.

“I plan to study harder, don’t keep a lot of friends, fix my mistakes as I go along and just do more so I can become a successful person,” he said.

His classmate, Dannika Purcell, chimed in and shared how she plans to ace the exam next year.

“I also plan to study hard and to not waste time, especially when the teacher is teaching, so that I can pass my exams and be at Campion College,” she said.

Head Girl Rochelle Wilson said she, too, plans to stay focused and pay attention to what is taught so she can be successful in next year’s PEP exam.

Ormsby explained that in preparing the students for the exam the school held early morning one-hour classes starting at seven o’clock.

“Everybody also had to engage in extra lessons and then we also had Saturday classes,” the principal said, while adding that once teachers are devoted, students will perform.

“Of course, you have to know how to teach and know that not every child is taught the same. Everybody is different. Being patient is also key,” she said.

In addition to the recent achievements, Iona is celebrating its 70th year of operation this year.

“At the beginning of the year, there was a church service. We had a concert, made a magazine and we have other plans for the remainder of the year,” Ormsy said.