Maths Critical for Future-Proofing

Mathematics is critical for future-proofing Jamaica, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe.

She said it fosters essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving that underpin innovation.

“It helps them [students] to get the problem-solving skills. We need them to innovate. Too long now we are just users of people’s work. We want to be creators of our own industries. We want to be the developers. We want to be at the forefront,” she said.

Dr. Troupe was delivering the keynote address during the recent Mathematics Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony held at Caenwood Auditorium in Kingston.

She said the Ministry is placing special emphasis on mathematics because of its value to other subject areas, noting that one of the major strategies being employed to improve performance is extended learning.

In the 2024 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, only 39 per cent of Jamaican students received a passing grade in mathematics.

“We have to zero in on maths because we are struggling in that area. We want to find the skills, the people who love it like you, the people with the passion like you and I testify that I started out as a poor maths student but I got a [grade] one in CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) maths because my teacher created opportunities for learning differently. We weren’t just in a maths classroom at a time tabled-session. In the evening him seh ‘come, we aguh work matta’ – that means practice time in a relaxed environment,” Dr. Troupe explained.

For her part, Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry Ann Thomas Gayle, underscored the importance of mathematics and its pervasiveness in everyday life.

“Mathematics is more than just a subject one learns in school. It is more than just numbers and formulas. It is the foundation or the gateway to problem solving, critical thinking and innovation. Skills such as these are essential for success in today’s world,” she pointed out.

She commended the 15 regional finalists for their diligence in teaching the subject and helping to prepare the industry leaders of tomorrow.

“Your influence extends far beyond the classroom, igniting curiosity and confidence in students and ensuring that mathematics is seen not as a barrier but as a bridge to opportunity,” Ms. Thomas Gayle said.

Fifty-one mathematics teachers at the primary and secondary level from schools across Jamaica were nominated for the award.
Immaculate Conception High School’s Shanique Pryce copped this year’s award.