Students are being encouraged to approach the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations with determination to succeed, by Head of the Marsha Smalling Elevator Foundation, Dr. Marsha Smalling.
During a ‘Powered Up for PEP’ tour stop at Racecourse Primary School in Clarendon on April 14, she delivered a motivational address to grade-six students.
The initiative is designed to inspire and prepare students for the upcoming PEP examinations, scheduled for April 29 and 30.
The PEP tour focuses on equipping students with the tools needed to approach their examinations with confidence, discipline, and a positive mindset, and has reached students at 11 primary schools across Clarendon and St. Catherine.
Dr. Smalling, who is also Principal of Glenmuir High School, drew on her extensive experience in education, including nearly a decade in the primary system, to connect with the students.
She acknowledged the anxiety many students feel leading up to exams, noting that nervousness often stems from self-doubt and inadequate preparation.
“I can feel a little nervous. Why do you feel nervous? Sometimes we feel nervous when we think that we will not do our best on the exam,” she said, urging students to confront those fears through disciplined study and commitment.
“There is only one thing that can solve that problem… putting in the work, making sacrifices, and being disciplined,” she added.
Central to her presentation were what she described as the “four Gs” – God, Good Nutrition and Health, Grit, and Grace – which she outlined as a practical framework for success.
Dr. Smalling emphasised that spiritual grounding, proper eating habits, perseverance, and self-compassion are all critical components of academic achievement.
Highlighting the importance of faith, she reminded students that “God is the source of all goodness,” encouraging them to rely on spiritual strength during moments of doubt.
She reinforced the message with the affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and urged the students to remain steadfast regardless of their circumstances.
On the matter of health, she cautioned against excessive consumption of processed snacks. Instead, she encouraged students to fuel their bodies with nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals.
Proper nutrition, she noted, is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting cognitive function during long study hours.
Dr. Smalling also stressed the importance of grit, describing it as the determination and courage needed to push through challenges. She encouraged students to set ambitious goals and match them with consistent effort, reminding them that “effort in, excellence out” must be their guiding principle.
Equally important, she said, is grace, both from God and towards oneself. Students were urged to be kind to themselves, especially when faced with setbacks. “Sometimes you may not come first… but don’t be too hard on yourself. Be kind to yourself, especially when you know that you have done your best,” she advised.
In a particularly engaging segment, Dr. Smalling introduced her personal mantra, “Push, Press, Persevere,” which she said helped her overcome challenges, including during her own fitness journey.
She encouraged students to adopt the phrase as a source of motivation, explaining that success begins with taking action, maintaining effort, and ultimately finishing strong.
The PEP, which replaced the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), assesses students’ readiness for secondary education by evaluating not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking and communication skills.
Recent data show improved national performance, with fewer students at the beginning level and increased proficiency rates.
Of the 33,462 students registered across 964 institutions, 89.5 per cent were placed in schools of their choice, reflecting continued progress in the system.
