Below is the story of Kristoff Dowe showing how interventions along with the mental preparation coaching I do helped him pass his GSAT exams.
Kristoff Dowe was unable to sit his GSAT exams in 2009 as he displayed a very low grade average in Mathematics and Comprehension. As such, his mother sought intervention from a consulting assessor, and KBC Learning. She then immediately pulled him from the programme. Having analyzed the assessment of Kristoff it was discovered that he was performing Mathematics at a Grade three level (three levels below his grade). This proved frustrating for his parents Belinda and Delroy, as Kristoff had only one year to lift his mathematics ability to a Grade Six level. Also, they would have to find a school that could include him in their grade six programme, having pulled him from his previous school.
Determined not to give up his mother had him enrolled in a full time remedial programme for three months (April to June 2009) at KBC Centre. Counselling was also provided as this would mean that he would be away from his original school, (a prominent Prep. School), and his friends. In June 2009 Kristoff was accepted in Dunrobin Primary School where he attended their summer school programme in July 2009.
In September 2009 Kristoff commenced attending Dunrobin Primary School. This proved challenging as he was placed in a much larger classroom than usual, and had six months to learn GSAT Mathematics. It was even more challenging when he realized that he had to keep pace with students who had already grasped the major concepts and had no challenges in doing so.
In December 2009 Kristoff was awarded a prize for the most improved boy in his class. He had made remarkable improvement in mathematics and exhibited more confidence in working math problems. During this period his mother also sought assistance from life coach Christine Morris who also assisted him to mentally prepare for the upcoming exams.
Kristoff’s hard work and determination has paid off as he was able to earn a place through his performance at Jamaica College. He has faith in his mantra “some dreams are worth fighting for”. Kristoff also accredits his success to his teacher Mr. Nicholas Mullings of Dunrobin Primary who worked assiduously with him in overcoming his fear. Kristoff has often said “success is not something that you wish for, but work for”.
Story Printed in The Jamaica Gleaner, Thursday, June 24, 2010
What I did with Kristoff was work with him on all the subjects he did by getting him over the blocks that were preventing him from performing at a higher level. I started one-on-one coaching sessions with Kristoff in Term 2 of Grade 6. Below are the results of adding that intervention.
Term 1 Term 2 Annual Exams
Mathematics 74 88 92
Language Arts 86 94 98
Communication Task 80 85 88
Reading Level Gr 6 Gr 6 Gr 7
Science 92 94 100
Social Studies 82 90 94
Religious Education 78 88 91
Physical Education 80 90 90
*Please note this was in 2009/2010. I highlight this date as it is now July 2017 as I write this blog and I have heard of approximately 5 students achieving perfect scores (100%) in all GSAT subjects therefore it makes it even more competitive to get into the high school of your choice.
The coaching sessions are done one-on-one to meet the requirements of each student. The sessions can be done face to face or to save on travelling time can be done via Skype, telephone or cell phone.
Adding one-on-one life coaching/mental preparation coaching to the programmes you are already using or if you have no additional programmes will go a long way in helping you achieve their GSAT goals.
**This service can be used to achieve great results in other exams too e.g. CSEC, CAPE etc.
To have your child do well in their exams call me on Cell: (876) 883 6881 to arrange your appointment or for further information send an email to [email protected]
About the Author
Christine Morris is a Business and Life Coach/Peak Performance Coach, NLP Practitioner who specialises in coaching individuals and groups from all walks of life achieve their goals in less time than they thought possible, with results above their expectations.
You may reprint this article if:
- You agree to reprint the article on your site intact and "as is".
- You agree to include the 'About the Author' information in its entirety and "as is".