VI history, tourism and financial services – new secondary school subjects
BVI News Staff - Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 at 8:24 AM
Minister of Education Walwyn
Three new subjects will be added to the curriculum in secondary schools when the new school year opens in September.
Education Minister Myron Walwyn says one of the new subjects will be Virgin Islands history.
He told education officials, principals and teachers of secondary schools that over the past months they were able to work with members of the community, teachers and administrators to put together a concise course outline and classroom material so that students can have a greater perspective of the people and struggles of these Virgin Islands.
He said: “While this may seem as a simple addition to the course load, I believe it will fundamentally change how our students view themselves and this territory. Learning of one’s history builds a greater sense of self within our young people that will root them firmly in this community and help them understand that they must work to add to the growth of our islands.”
The minister added that within the education system, teachers at every stage play a vital role in the success of students. He said because of the work of the primary school teachers setting a solid foundation for students, secondary school teachers have a good base by which they can add another layer of knowledge and continuously build well-rounded students.
“In all of our efforts in all of our subjects, teachers your work is vital to ensuring prepared entrants into the workforce,” the minister said.
He added: “Beginning this school year, in all of our secondary schools, students will also be taught courses in financial services and tourism. These sectors contribute largely to our economic success and we must prepare our students to assume positions at all levels in these sectors. As Virgin Islanders and as residents of this territory, we should no longer be satisfied to continuously import the skilled and learned labour that is needed to maintain these industries. For a long time the terms succession planning and world class have been tossed around and reduced to simple catch phrases; it is our duty in our education system to ensure the success of these Virgin Islands by preparing our citizens to conduct the affairs of this territory in the global arena. Teachers you have a significant role in this.”
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5 Comments
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Myron, can you ask the kids running the tourism board to come and take these classes. Hadassah Ward may be gone but the kids running the show have done nothing!
So why is the marine industry being left out of education. Its only one of the countries biggest employers and something thats not going to leave, when the big countries change thier laws and put a stop to tax havens.
Oh Myron you are working wonders as the Minister of Education! Keep up the good work.
Love this and love the idea of VI history even more, perhaps VI history Should be taught a little earlier, hope next school year we see it implemented in the Primary Schools.
VIHistory was always taught but not at the level the Minister is talking about. I am pleased that it is going to be taught as a separate subject. Our poeple need to know and remember the contributions our Virgin Islanders made to build this community.
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