Port Mourant shines at National Grade Six Assessment
DPI, Guyana, Friday, June 29, 2018
Port Mourant Primary School in Region 6 dominated at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) taking three of the region’s top spots.
Eleven-year-old Ranjiv Babulall obtained 520 marks and emerged the region’s top student. The optimistic young man and future biologist said he was elated when he was told the news that he would earn a place at Queens College. As the news broke his entire class, as well as teachers, erupted in cheers.
Babulall of Adventure Village, Corentyne told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that in order to attain success a lot of sacrifices were made. He recalled staying up late in the nights, then getting up early in the morning to continue. His passion for reading was very helpful as most of his time was spent reading new books and staying away from his favourite video games. In explaining why he chose his future career path, he related his love for nature and the study of plants and animals. In his spare time, he would find himself around his house looking for ways to better understand the anatomy, behaviour and origin of the flora and fauna.
He credits his success to God for giving him strength and guidance, and his parents and teachers, who were instrumental in motivating and encouraging him to be the best he could ever be. His advice to other students is, “Do your best, encourage yourself and have confidence, you will get there. And read a lot, it helps!”
“My parents and older sister and my teacher were always behind me. My sister stayed up late at nights with me to help me study.”
In concluding, he said, now that his dream to attain Queens College was fulfilled, the decision now rests upon his parents whether he will attend. If not, he said his choice would be the Berbice High School.
The celebrations at Port Mourant Primary continued when the second top student in the region was announced. Michael Moorsalin, who was in the same class as Ranjiv, secured 518 marks and also took a place at Queens College. Moorsalin was not in school when the results were announced but when his teacher Zeena Mangru called to convey the news he could not contain his excitement.
He explained that from nursery school his dream was to attend Queens College and hard work has paid off. He extended gratitude to God, his parents, elder brother, teacher and friends for their commitment and encouragement. Moorsalin aspires to become a neurologist and will continue to work hard to ensure his career choice becomes a reality.
Securing third place, Quacy Isaacs of All Saints Primary and Anisa Hafiz Rose Hall Primary both achieved 515 marks earning them a spot a Queens College. Hafiz, an aspiring teacher, said she believes in sharing knowledge hence choosing that career path. Meanwhile, Isaacs is ecstatic and proud of his achievements. He is hoping to become a medical doctor.
An outspoken Susanna Elizabeth Khemraj of Cropper Primary and of Courtland Village is tied with Frank Waddel of All Saints Primary in New Amsterdam for the fifth position, earning themselves a spot at Queen’s College. Khemraj thanked her parents and teachers and her siblings especially her sisters, who are doctors, for their constant support and time. She said she takes inspiration from them and will follow along with the same career path. Eleven-year-old Waddel is hoping to one day become the President.
Arnold Anthony Doman of Albion and of Cropper Primary and Allan Bangari of Port Mourant Primary tied with 511 marks for the eighth position securing each a place at Bishops’ High School. Doman said he was a bit disappointed at first as he wanted Queens, however, subsequently, he said he was thankful to place among the top and vowed to continue to aim high to achieve his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.
Meanwhile, the tenth position was shared by eleven-year-old Aaron Subnauth of New Market Primary located at Number 63 Village, Corentyne, Divya Singh of Tain Primary and Ezra Minty of Sheet Anchor Primary.
“I feel great,” was the response from Subnauth when asked how he felt about his performance. He hopes to become a lawyer. Unlike the others, he is sure of moving to the city where he will be attending the Bishops’ High School.
Subnauth said he took inspiration from his older brother who topped the school three years ago and earned a place at St. Stanislaus College. Aaron said he wanted to score higher so he set out with extra studying and lots of revision.
His Mother, Cindy Subnauth explained throughout their primary school life they indicated they want to go to the school they earned.
“We made a promise to them that we will, so when my son earned St. Stanislaus it was a major decision but we wanted to keep the promise. At first it was challenging transitioning from one place to the other but after sometime and with the help of their grandmother, a retired headmistress, everything fell into place”.
Her advice to other parents is listen to their children, know and understand their potential and help them achieve but do so by striking a balance between work and leisure as both are equally important. Additionally, she noted, reinforce what is taught at school daily.
By: Nafeeza Yahya-Sacoor.
Images: Nafeeza Yahya-Sacoor.