Twelve-year-old Jahmai Thomas, who amassed 346.7 points out of a possible 400, and 97 per cent in the ability test, has emerged as the top Primary Exit Profile (PEP) performer for Hope Valley Experimental School in Kingston.

Young Jahmai, who spoke to JIS News at his school leaving ceremony on July 5, will be transitioning to Ardenne High School.

The student, who served as head boy, credited his excellent memory for his performance in the national examinations.

It was not that hard. I would not say that you needed to do a lot of studying. If you remembered what you learnt, you did not have to do a lot of studying, he said.

Jahmai found the language arts exam most challenging, noting that he did not understand a few of the questions and for others, the options were very close.

He expressed gratitude to his teachers, whom he said, were very supportive during his preparation for PEP.

“My mathematics teacher, for example, he taught mathematics in a way that he would give you a problem, explain it in a fun clever way that you would remember it by and after that, he would the give you a similar problem and let you solve it by yourself,” the student explained.

He also shared that mathematics is his favourite subject as it is fun and it revolves around logic.

The student highlighted that he played games in his leisure time and also used them for educational enhancement.

He detailed that one game, required him to use clues to guess words of varying lengths which he said provided the added benefit of introducing him to a lot of big words.

Jahmai told JIS News that Ardenne High was his first choice, and he is excited to continue his educational journey at the prestigious institution, which is the alma mater of one of his older sisters.

He also shared that his other sister, Janelle-Gail Reid, promised to purchase him a phone if he was placed at Ardenne and that pushed him to work even harder.

He was elated when the PEP results revealed that he secured a spot at Ardenne.

They were proud of me like how any parent would be actually. She was extra proud. She was screaming when she heard the news,” he recalled.

Reid told JIS News that her brother was an outstanding performer throughout his primary school years, and she could count on him to be among the top three students every year.

I didn’t doubt that Jahmai would do well. They always say to speak positive things over your children, and I see where that has come to fruition, his sister remarked.

To students who will be sitting PEP next year Jahmai encouraged them to study hard but not too hard to burn out your brain.

Over the holidays, Jahmai plans to attend summer school, explore new places and play video games.