Modern School Infrastructure Design Competition Awards held

A revolution in school design is needed to support the upcoming education transformation planned for the island’s educational system.
This word comes from Minister of Education, Kay McConney, as she addressed attendees of Monday’s award ceremony for the recently-concluded Modern School Infrastructure Design Competition, held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The education minister said: “As we shift from traditional approaches and instructional approaches towards more modern approaches that meet our children how they learn, and that greet our teachers with cutting-edge instructional methods, our entire system from infrastructure to curriculum must be made ready to empower 21st century education.”
She added that the designs which were selected as finalists were more than just elegant drawings, but in fact “are about transforming spaces into dynamic hubs of collaboration, of creativity and of innovation. Our redesigned spaces in Barbados will be flexible and adaptable, promoting teamwork and critical thinking. Classrooms will support different group configurations, learning styles and project-based learning.

“Resilience and sustainability both underpin our vision for modern school infrastructure, keeping in mind that we as a country must face down challenges of the climate crisis which is very real. We must face down challenges of cleaner energy sources which will serve our best interest including that of our environment. Our modern school buildings will incorporate eco-friendly designs and renewable energy sources, teaching our students the importance of environmental stewardship.”

The three finalists selected in each category areas follows: Corey Evelyn, Ruth Durant-Sobers and Christopher Barnett for nursery; Maurice Clarke, Alana Brooks and Ruth Durant-Sobers for primary; Kevin Browne, lan Best and Julia Kirton for secondary, and Julia Kirton, Frederick Johnson and Corey Evelyn for special needs.