Students and their parents getting ready for the 11+ examination now have an exciting way to do so with the help of a new TV game show.

11+ Challenge, the brainchild of Aries Technologies, airs both on CBC TV Channel 8 and CMC with each episode featuring students from two schools pitting their skills against each other in Maths and English. Viewers will also have the chance to text answers to questions and receive prizes sponsored by Digicel and Aries Technologies. The first episode is a documentary about the 11+ exam.

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has provided financial support for the production of the eight episode series and recently made a presentation to Aries Technologies.

Managing Director of Aries Technologies, Gillian Hassell explained that the show was designed to engage and excite people. “We wanted to give the public a greater idea of what’s involved as well as encourage children who are preparing for the exam. We want 11+ Challenge to be fun and exciting and motivate them to practice. If we can inject something different into the process perhaps they’ll practice more,” Ms. Hassell said.

Ms. Hassell said that the idea for the TV show came out of attempts to generate excitement at trade fair and expos at which Aries Technologies showcased its software. “The response was phenomenal so we thought to take the next step and bring it to television. It’s taken four years to move from concept to realisation and then finding the right people to produce it and bring it to life. Our main challenge was trying to get the buy-in of corporate sponsors. It’s been a labour of love.”

In thanking CIBC FirstCaribbean, Ms. Hassell said, “we’re really appreciative of the bank’s support which demonstrated a willingness to work with us. We’re happy they saw that our effort was worthy of investment because it allows us to produce a show in which our students can see themselves in a positive light on TV.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean, Managing Director, Barbados, Donna Wellington lauded Aries Technologies for its initiative and perseverance in developing the TV show. “The bank is a keen supporter of both entrepreneurship and education and so we’re excited that a software developer has seen an opportunity to develop a platform to enhance the education of students preparing for the 11+ exam.”

Aries Technologies develops preparation software for the Secondary School Entrance Examinations for Barbados and regional markets. It also creates business programmes such as payroll and inventory management software.