Education

Alma Parris Academy The New Way Forward In Education

The Alma Parris Memorial Secondary School, now the Alma Parris Academy, has reopened with a new teaching approach and parents being more involved in the process. The aim is to produce students with the relevant skills for the real world.

This was disclosed yesterday by Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, after a walk-through of the institution at Major Walk, St. Peter.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, and the team for the work that they have done, especially with the parents, Ms. McConney said: “We wanted that when we reopened … the Alma Parris Academy that we do so, not only with students, that we do so not only with teachers but that at the heart of the partnership has to be parents.

“And, we have taken the opportunity over the last several weeks to engage with parents more formally and informally, and the intention is that going forward, the partnership with parents has to be a central part of how we do education differently.”

She also noted that the school has an alternative curriculum, which is designed to make learning meaningful for the students there since the Ministry has been hearing from many students that “school is not always relevant”.

The Education Minister continued: “And, we therefore need to make sure that whatever they walk away from our school system with, whatever skills, that they are actually relevant and can be applied in the real world.

“And I am sure, as you did the walk-through, you saw several laboratories…. All the laboratories are compliant with the CVQ/NVQ, which means that our teachers here will be able to take the students all the way through to technical and vocational qualifications as well as academic qualifications because what we are saying is, ‘every single child can learn’. We simply have to create the right kind of environment with the right kind of teachers who understand how children learn differently and are able to respond to the child.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Education Officer, who spoke about the new curriculum, said it is about allowing the Alma Parris students to feel and experience love, and “to understand what it means to have fun” while learning.

“We want that when they leave here, that they are contributing citizens to our society…. What will be offered here from here on in is something different that will allow our students to reach their fullest potential,” Mrs. Archer Bradshaw added.

Acknowledging that some Barbadian students have been falling through the cracks, she said that over the past year and a half, the Ministry had engaged with teachers and some parents and tried to find out where students were having difficulties in the classroom. She indicated that those students who were the most vulnerable were identified, and are currently enrolled at the Alma Paris Academy.

Mrs. Archer-Bradshaw also disclosed the effort made to get the school ready and the new method of teaching and assessing the students.

“We also engaged our teachers at this school in extensive training. They’ve learned how to develop IEPs (Individualised Education Programmes); they’ve learned about social and emotional learning. We’ve also brought them into the Ministry so that they can understand how we are approaching education at this school.

“It is about loving these children; … teaching our children first, before you teach the subject. So, a lot of diagnostic assessment has gone into preparing these children for their education, and we will continue to do that because, you know, it is not a one-time diagnostic test, and that is it. We have to keep diagnosing them every time we teach them a concept. Every time we teach them a unit of work, we have to find out where there are, and employ methodologies that will reach these children,” she stated.

The Alma Parris Memorial Secondary School was closed in 2017. (PR/GIS)

Education

Three Schools Honoured For Championing Health Initiatives

Three schools have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles through the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).

George Lamming Primary, St. Giles Primary, and The Rock Christian School were honoured by the BSNP Implementation Committee during a special ceremony on Wednesday at the George Lamming Primary School, in Welches, St. Michael.

The overall winner, George Lamming Primary, and the two other schools, each received $4,000 in vouchers to support their health-focused initiatives.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, commended the schools for their leadership, highlighting the significance of turning policy into action.

“This is one of those moments where we must reward, appreciate, and acknowledge progress…. We are moving in the right direction. It’s one thing for policymakers to develop ideas on paper, but it’s in moments like these that we see policy come alive and truly transform lives…. You’re proving that good health begins with each of us,” Mr. Ishmael said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, also praised the students and school communities for their dedication.

“Winning isn’t just about trophies or prizes, it’s about the teamwork, the creativity, and the commitment you’ve shown in reshaping your school environment. Your participation sets an example that will inspire not just your classmates, but your families and communities to live healthier lives. This is just the beginning of your journey – keep making smart, healthy choices,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.

The event was also attended by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, other officials and stakeholders involved in the policy’s rollout, principals, teachers, and students.

The BSNP Committee applauded the schools for fostering healthier environments, underscoring the importance of early intervention in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of a national effort to promote wellness and improve long-term health outcomes for Barbadian youth. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of State in Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Reigo, as well as officials and stakeholders involved in the School Nutrition Policy, pose with students and principals of the George Lamming Primary; St. Giles Primary; and The Rock Christian School, at the ceremony

Education

Immigration Webinar For Students Wishing To Study In Canada

Barbadians interested in pursuing studies in Canada are invited to participate in the online Immigration Seminar of the Consulate General of Barbados, in Toronto.

The Consulate, as part of its annual activities to observe National Heroes Day, is hosting a week of activities, and the key event will be the Immigration Seminar tomorrow Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Over the past 12 months, there have been significant changes to the requirements and processes for obtaining an international student visa. As a result, the seminar will focus on the recent changes to the entry requirements for international students coming to Canada to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Prospective students, as well as parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, school teachers and principals, who have a vested interest in obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information to make the most informed choice from the available study options, are encouraged to participate in the online seminar.

Alana Alleyne, a barrister and solicitor, will cover areas such as the latest changes to international student visas, eligibility criteria for student visas, requirements for postgraduate work permits, and changes to eligibility for spousal work permits. (PR/GIS)

Education

Information Session For Teachers Keen On Working In USA

Primary school teachers interested in working in the United States of America (USA) are invited to an upcoming Information Session, tomorrow Thursday, April 24.

The session will be hosted in the Main Conference Room of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The initiative is being facilitated by the Ministry, in partnership with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service, the Barbados Union of Teachers, and Participate Learning, a USA recruitment firm.

During the event, Participate Learning will share important information on the application and recruitment processes, as well as on working in the USA. (PR/GIS)