Education Ministry Undertaking Initiatives During March to Boost Students’ Mathematics Skills

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information will be taking steps during March to strengthen programmes and strategies designed to improve students’ proficiency in Mathematics.

A series of activities aimed at enhancing the subject’s culture and profile in schools will take place across the Ministry’s seven Regions, under the theme ‘Beyond the Numbers: Creating Change, Inspiring Innovation’.

These are part of engagements programmed throughout March in observance of National Mathematics Month.

National Mathematics Coordinator in the Ministry, Dr. Lorna Thompson, told JIS News that the activities, which are aligned with the National Standards Curriculum, are intended to strengthen students’ mastery of key mathematical concepts, thereby improving outcomes across all grades.

Throughout the month, students will engage in interactive activities that encourage the application of mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

These activities are designed to resonate with real-world situations, making Mathematics more relatable and enjoyable.

“The initiatives seek to foster a positive attitude towards Mathematics, transforming perceptions and creating a more engaging learning environment. We strongly encourage all schools to participate in activities in their region,” Dr. Thompson said.

Recognising that teacher effectiveness directly influences student outcomes, the Ministry has implemented a series of professional development workshops focusing on modern teaching methodologies.

These will incorporate interactive teaching techniques that engage students more deeply in the learning process.

On Wednesday, March 12, the University of the West Indies (UWI) will host a Mathematics Fair at St. Elizabeth Technical High School.

The seven Regions will also host Mathematics activities. These commence with Region One at The Mico University College in Kingston on March 18.

Regions Two and Four’s activities are slated for March 25 at Port Antonio High School in Portland and Rhodes Hall High in Hanover, respectively.

Activities for Region Five are slated for March 26 at Manchester High School.

Engagements for Region Three are scheduled to be held across several schools on March 27.

These institutions are Cedric Titus High and Muschette High in Trelawny, and Ocho Rios High, Steer Town High, Walkerswood Academy and Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St. Ann.
Region Six will also host its activities on March 27 at Cedar Grove Academy in St. Catherine, while Rhodes Hall High in Region four will stage another activity on the day.

The month-long celebrations will culminate with Glenmuir High in Clarendon hosting Region Seven activities.

Highlight of the Month is the 2025 Mathematics Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony, scheduled for March 24.

The Award was inaugurated in 2012 as part of the National Mathematics Programme.

It is designed to underscore the subject’s vital role in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills and academic excellence across various disciplines.