I have listened, with much interest parents and the children who sat the GSAT. Some were overjoyed at getting their first choice of school while some were very disappointed with the school at which they were placed and immediately sought a transfer to one that had greater 'recognition.'

Some parents are of the opinion that a Wolmer's or Kingston College education is different (read better) than the other high schools; and that their children attending these preferred schools will be very successful. I have a bit of news for these parents, however. I have a nephew who passed for one of the preferred high schools a few years ago and he ended up being a drop-out. I have a daughter who attended St Mary's College, and is now an attorney, and a son who attended Guys Hill High and is now a banker.

Ability of the child

The first thing to appreciate is that it is the ability of the child, the interest that the child has and his or her ambition that will make that child successful.

On the other hand, we can't help but question why some schools are top performers while others aren't. Now we know that the building has nothing to do with it, so it must be the educators who are willing to make great sacrifices to enable the success of their students, and to maintain the standard of excellence for which the school is renowned for. If it is the qualification of these educators that makes the difference, then the relevant authority should see to it that all our teachers get the appropriate training required for our high schools and maintain high standards for them and students to follow.

Set up workshops

This is not going to be an overnight thing, so what the proper authorities need to do is set up workshops at these prominent high schools (on a phased basis) for the teachers of these upgraded high schools and let them see how these schools are operated, and see if it is any different from theirs and if there is anything that can be applied to make their schools more successful.

Parents need to let their children know that it does not matter which school they attend, but discipline and focus will help them to realise their dreams.

I am, etc.,

LYLIN MCKENZIE

Gayle

St Mary