With electricity available for only four hours each evening in St Cuthbert’s Mission, pupils preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) had to make every minute of study count.
Despite those challenges, three pupils from St Cuthbert’s Mission Primary School rose to the top, securing places at some of the country’s leading secondary schools.
Leading the school’s performance were Zarria Causway, who scored 479.70 marks to secure a place at St Stanislaus College; Ethan Causway, who achieved 474.20 marks and earned admission to President’s College; and Gabriella Daniels, who scored 460.56 marks and will attend Diamond Secondary School.
Speaking with Ignite News, the young scholars reflected on the sacrifices they made, the support they received and the determination it took to succeed despite the challenges they faced.
For Zarria Causway, preparing for the NGSA meant adapting her study routine around limited access to electricity. She said while the situation was challenging, it motivated her to remain focused and continue working toward her goal.
“Since we only had electricity about six to ten, it was a bit difficult to study, but honestly I still kept working hard because even though there is not a lot of electricity, you still have to keep pushing yourself to achieve your goals,” Causway said.
Meanwhile, Ethan Causway credited his achievement to consistent preparation and dedication. He said completing past papers, attending extra lessons and participating in online lessons with his teachers helped him remain prepared.
“I studied hard, worked past papers, and I did extra lessons and online lessons with my teachers. I worked on lessons at my house,” Causway said.
Gabriella Daniels also highlighted the importance of discipline and support, explaining that her study routine and guidance from her family and teachers played a key role in her success.
“Studying has helped me achieve what I did today. I would wake up early in the morning and read for an hour and more. I had extra lessons and did past papers with my aunt and teachers,” Daniels said.
After months of preparation, the pupils said receiving their NGSA results brought a mixture of excitement, pride and relief, knowing that their hard work had paid off.
Causway said she was proud and surprised when she saw her results. “I was actually so proud and excited and surprised at the same time,” she said.
For Ethan Causway, the achievement was especially meaningful as President’s College was the school he had hoped to attend.
“I felt good, proud of myself. President’s College was the school I was aiming for because my sister attended that school. I just feel good about myself and proud,” he said.
Daniels said hearing her results gave her a sense of accomplishment, knowing that she had achieved the goal she worked toward. “When I heard the result, I felt great. I felt good. I felt like I have done what I came here for and what I was supposed to do,” she said.
The pupils also acknowledged the important role played by their parents, teachers, relatives and the wider school community throughout their preparation.
Causway credited her mother for being a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her journey. “I would have to say my mom. She was always by my side when I needed her. Without her, I wouldn’t be the person I am sitting here today,” she said.
She also highlighted the support from her teachers, particularly through online classes, which she said helped her during her preparation.
Ethan Causway also expressed gratitude to his teachers, noting that they played an important role in helping him achieve his results. “My teachers, I would like to thank them because they played a big role in my achievement,” he said.
Daniels said her mother, aunt and teachers helped guide her throughout the journey, especially during moments when she felt discouraged. “I want to say thank you to my mom, teachers and aunt. They played a good role in leading me where I am right now,” Daniels said.
She added that her aunt encouraged her whenever she felt like giving up, while her mother remained a source of support every day.
As they prepare to begin secondary school, the students hope their achievements will inspire other children to remain focused on their education and believe that difficult circumstances do not have to prevent them from achieving their goals.
