In a recent speech, the Minister of Education, Hon. Octavia Alfred, outlined key points regarding the 2023-2024 school year in Dominica. Despite the challenges faced, particularly for the worst-performing students, the overall outcome was deemed successful. Graduation statistics revealed that on July 10, 327 students graduated from Dominica State College, while between May to July, 629 students graduated from secondary schools, representing 89% of all fifth-form students. According to the minister, this high percentage indicates that most students are meeting graduation criteria, with ongoing analysis to confirm trends.
For students who do not meet graduation criteria, they still receive a certificate stating completion of the secondary program, with over 820 students entering secondary school. The Ministry’s objective is to achieve a 100% completion rate for students entering secondary school. Data collection is underway for students receiving scholarships and financial assistance through the government’s GATE program. Teacher engagement was also highlighted as a priority, with over 90 teachers attending summer workshops covering various topics such as classroom management, online assessment, digital literacy, music, and theatre arts.
Alfred reported that Dominica is leading in the OECS for online learning, assessment, and digital curriculum, with plans to maintain this position. Along those lines, technological advancements in education are being emphasized, with workshops focusing on technology and technological thinking for student engagement. Additionally, 25 Ministry of Education officials are undergoing training in operational planning to support the new education sector plan. The school year will conclude with the release of Caribbean CXC results, set to be officially released in Dominica this year, with a ceremony scheduled for August.
Listen to the audio address here:
what determines a successful school year? when the bar for graduating criteria is extra low? Also, why havet the TVET program implemented yet? This continues to be a huge failure on the part of the Ministry, just ask Mr. Durand, the education officer who did all the ground work for it. When will the Ministry that students have music and other various art programs in their schools? i could go on and on. Because to me its just business as usual for your people doing substandard work and calling it a success. Just because you all decided to allow a high number of students to graduate. the real test is their CXC results. Lets see how many of that 89% gets more at least five 2’s in CXC (inclusive of English and math).
Teacher look a boo boo they shout
principal tell them shut up thier mouth
that is minister
oh no!
minister cyan look dotish so.
shut your mouth go away
teacher look a boo boo dey
shut your mouth go away
min is ter boo boo dey
Every school year is a humongous success for this Minister of Education. Self praise is no recommendation. This lady is eminently unqualified for this important ministry. She is the least qualified Minister of Education in the Caribbean. That’s indisputable.
The education system in Dominica is archaic. It’s too much talk and chalk; learning by rote; learning is too reliant on memory.
Our education system should cater for the holistic development of the child and not to prepare them only to become employees. We much inculcate in the students values, morals, cooperation and civics. Financial education should be compulsory. No child should exit school without a skill. Technology should be given higher priority. It should be used much more in the classroom and relieve those young children of those heavy bags.
Every school should be equipped with proper science lab, computer lab, modern library, proper playgrounds, et cetera. The system leaves much to be desired.
Amen