Five years after scoring an impressive 91 per cent average in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), St Jago High School student Paula Bird has achieved eight subjects with six ones and two twos in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

The 17-year-old bright spark from Middlesex in St Catherine thanked her mother and teachers for the support they extended in contributing to her success.

She will be moving on to sixth form at the institution, after which she will be pursuing a career in the field of theatre arts.

Unlike some students who gave up their leisure time to beat the books in preparing for the examination, Paula said she used a different strategy.

"Everybody else I know who took the exam complained about the sleepless nights they had, but I didn't do that. Whenever I wanted to sleep, I slept. All I did was read through my notes the day before exam and it worked," Paula said.

She added that she was a keen listener in class who always did her research, so that she could be prepared for her classes.

However, Paula declared that she was dissatisfied with her performance in CSEC, as it was not a true reflection of her ability.

"I am disappointed because I know that I could have done better. I should have got all distinctions and then I could celebrate to the full extent," she said.

Paula excelled with distinctions in history, English language, social studies, English literature, theatre arts and principles of accounts. She also received credits in mathematics and Spanish.

Always on the honour roll

Paula has maintained second position in her class since third form at the institution, with a continuous place on the honour roll.

Her elated mother, Pauline Bird, said her child's success came as no surprise to her.

"I know she would have done well because she is always interested in her schoolwork. She is also an avid reader who is quiet and disciplined so I knew she would have made it."

Paula has been displaying leadership qualities since primary school. She was the president of the drama club and deputy head girl at Mount Nebo Primary, vice-president of drama club at high school and secretary of the Middlesex United Youth club.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com