Education Ministry to Focus on the Sciences in High Schools

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says increased emphasis will be placed on teaching the sciences in all secondary schools, starting this financial year.

This move is consistent with the Ministry’s plans to fully and formally integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) into the education system.

Rev. Thwaites, who was speaking at the Katalyxt Youth Innovators’ Competition awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on May 14, informed that the Ministry will also be improving the capacity for teaching sciences in all secondary schools.

“As we make this important change, we are polling each school to determine what their needs are and it is our modest, but essential ambition that every high school in Jamaica should have at least one functioning and well-equipped science laboratory,” he said.

He said this will result in the upgrading of science laboratories and provision of equipment in high schools. Micro-science kits will also be provided at the upper primary level, to ensure that those students are properly prepared for high school.

Mr. Thwaites invited the private sector and the non-government community, including alumni associations, to partner with the Ministry in this regard.

Additionally, he informed that the Ministry is developing a new national curriculum for all grades and subjects. The Education Minister said the intensive application of the STEM methodology and subjects will be apparent in this new model.

He remarked that while Jamaica will continue to be noted for its extraordinary athletes and recording artistes, “we have to also win the Olympics in science and technology”.

Rev. Thwaites further argued that Jamaica must get ahead in expanding practical knowledge that will provide the country and its people with the foundation for economic development.