As students prepare for the 2026 PEP exams, last year’s top awardee, Giovanni Green, and his mother share their successful strategy for academic excellence.
As grade-six students across the island prepare for the looming 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, the pressure to perform is hitting a fever pitch.. For many families, the final weeks of preparation are a time of intense focus and strategic planning, and who better to offer guidance than last year’s standout achiever.
Giovanni Green, the 2025 Top PEP Awardee, alongside his mother, Roxanne Brown, is providing a roadmap for current students.. Their approach blends rigorous discipline with a vital layer of emotional support, proving that success in these high-stakes exams requires more than just textbooks; it demands a stable and encouraging environment at home.. Brown, a personal loans officer at Misryoum, emphasized that her role as a mother was to be a constant presence, removing distractions and helping her son bridge gaps in his early academic transition.
The Strategic Approach to Success
Preparation for the PEP exam is often viewed as a solitary task for the student, but Brown suggests it is a collective family effort.. She openly admits to sacrificing her own studies to ensure Giovanni stayed on track, noting that the removal of digital distractions and the implementation of a strict, consistent routine were the cornerstones of their success.. While the process was demanding, requiring long nights and weekend dedication, Brown stresses that the focus remained on quality engagement rather than mindless cramming.
Giovanni’s own advice to the current cohort is grounded in practicality.. He urges his peers to prioritize deep understanding over rote memorization.. By applying classroom concepts to real-life scenarios, students can create a deeper connection with the material, making it easier to recall under pressure.. He specifically highlights the importance of reading extensively and starting early to avoid the trap of last-minute panic, a common pitfall that often undoes months of careful preparation.
Building Beyond the Classroom
Transitioning into the high school environment at Jamaica College, Giovanni has found that the discipline he cultivated during his PEP preparation is serving him well.. Now a first-form student, he is learning that academic success is an ongoing journey that requires balancing rigorous studies with extracurricular interests like lacrosse.. His story serves as a reminder that the PEP exam is merely one milestone in a much longer academic and personal narrative.
Furthermore, the role of a supportive network cannot be overstated.. Whether it is parents, grandparents, or extended family, the emotional labor of backing a student through stressful testing cycles is often the invisible engine behind top performance.. As students prepare to enter the examination hall this April, they should be reminded that their value is not defined solely by a test score.. A balanced life—one that integrates faith, community, and personal growth—is the best foundation for long-term achievement.. Ultimately, the partnership between parents and children acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that students feel equipped, rather than overwhelmed, as they step into their futures.