Adejah Shillingford, a fourth-form student at Dominica Grammar School, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing the highest score in mathematics across the Caribbean in the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) exam. Despite her long-standing affinity for mathematics, Adejah admitted that her perfect score of 100% came as a surprise. Her mother, Adamah, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in her daughter’s consistent academic excellence while acknowledging the unexpected nature of this achievement. Adejah took the exam in June 2025 as a third-form student and received her results in August, learning she had attained a ‘mastery’ level grade. However, it was only recently that she discovered she had outperformed every other student in the region. In addition to her math success, Adejah also achieved a ‘mastery’ score in English, missing just one question. The CCSLC exam, introduced in 2007 by the Caribbean Examination Council, emphasizes core knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values essential for secondary school graduates. Adejah’s preparation for the exam was unconventional; she did not formally study but relied on her consistent academic diligence and natural aptitude for numbers. Interestingly, she revealed that she is not an avid reader but prefers to simplify concepts to their essence for better understanding. Adejah aspires to become an accountant and attributes her success to her love for mathematics, which has been a lifelong passion. She shared valuable advice for fellow students, emphasizing the importance of using technology as a learning tool while avoiding plagiarism. Adejah also stressed the significance of active classroom participation and maintaining a positive mindset. ‘Tell yourself you are intelligent and you can succeed,’ she urged, highlighting the power of self-affirmation in achieving academic goals.
Dominica’s Adejah Shillingford scores 100%, top performer in entire region for CCSLC math exam
