Two students from Askenish Primary and Infant School in Hanover excelled in the 2025 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams, achieving top scores despite the recent loss of their teacher. Denyque Haughton and Curtanae Patterson overcame adversity to secure places at The Manning’s School in Westmoreland.
Student Achievements
Denyque Haughton earned the highest placement score with 342.6 points, closely followed by Curtanae Patterson with 336.3 points. The PEP exam uses three pathways to determine students’ competency, and both girls were placed on the first pathway, indicating satisfactory performance in the subject areas. Haughton expressed her satisfaction, stating:
I knew once I put in the work, I would come out doing my best…Then, when I got the results, I felt happy and proud of myself, and I felt overwhelmed with joy.
Patterson echoed this sentiment:
I was really happy and proud of myself when I got my results, and I was really confident I would have done well.
Overcoming Challenges
The students' success came against the backdrop of the February death of their longtime mentor, Claudette Forbes. Forbes had taught both Haughton and Patterson in the infant class, and her passing deeply affected them.
Principal Perronet Hall-Riley noted the impact of Forbes' death on the students:
The teacher that we lost (Forbes) had taught them in the infant class, and she had a granddaughter who is in grade six. Her passing shook up everyone, and because they were very close to the teacher and the granddaughter, they were shaken up and we were worrying if they could manage…We had to say to them, ‘Life goes on. Let us see what we can try to make of this exam, and whatever the results are, we will be satisfied.’
Keys to Success
Both Haughton and Patterson emphasized the importance of preparation and support in their achievements. Haughton stated:
My teachers helped me to prepare and study, plus my parents were also involved, and I studied almost every day. You only fail once you stop trying, so I say to other students, you should do your best.
Patterson highlighted the assistance she received and her study habits:
The teachers helped us to prepare for the exam, and I really studied hard, and I also used my textbooks, and my parents also helped me to study. I did not study every day, but I studied sometimes, even just before the exam…To other students, I want to say, always be confident and never give up.
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