NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said there is still a long way to go, but the Ministry is beginning to see positive trends and it is upon these trends that it will build and capitalize with all its might.

“We will continue the focus on literacy and numeracy. We will implement more deliberate strategies for critical thinking; and screen and place appropriately those children with suspected special needs,” the Education Minister said during a televised Back-to-School National Address on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

“We have further expanded access to pre primary by adding more classroom space and through the public private partnership: the Pre School Unit is being restructured for stronger quality assurance.”

She said in primary schools a programme successfully piloted last year to promote literacy, critical thinking and awareness in STEM subjects will be introduced to all primary schools.

The Minister explained that Academic Success Coaches will be posted on 15 campuses at primary and secondary levels to give support to children identified as needing support and to liaise with their teachers and parents.

“These coaches will, with the use of established programmes, bring intensive focus on literacy and numeracy. They will track the acceleration and remediation activities with the aim of enhancing student learning outcomes and fostering a solid academic foundation.”

She noted that in this upcoming academic year the Ministry’s curriculum review will be seen throughout the core subjects.

“In the social sciences curriculum, our first ever modern Bahamian history text will be introduced. Curriculum innovations include the development and modernization of curricula documents in History, Technical and Vocational disciplines, Computer Studies, Swimming, Health and Family Life. Content, instructional and assessment strategies and methods will seek to stimulate critical thinking and problem solving skills.”

The Minister said in a thrust to improve performance in mathematics, a maths study has been launched and is underway.

“Students in Junior High will continue to access the cluster technical and vocational programme which includes certifications in recycling, small home wiring, carpentry, small engine repair, plumbing and electronics -- and this will this year be expanded into primary schools.”

She said technical teachers have been recruited and posted in schools throughout the country including Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Long Island and New Providence.

The Minister explained that in the Agricultural Science curriculum, emphasis is being placed on climate smart agriculture technology, the proliferation of school based gardens at the primary level and fostering awareness of the vital connection between agriculture production and food security and nutrition. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture shade houses have been provided for farming projects in Family Island Schools -- two last year and this year in six additional schools.

She added that ruminant programmes will be introduced in schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.

The Minister said the construction of the first ever technical and vocational polytechnic for senior high students is underway.

“This facility situate on approximately six acres will be the training ground for students in a cross section of technical skills including technical drawing, electronics, agricultural science, computer science, pre-engineering, auto mechanics, graphical communications, electrical technology, air conditioning and refrigeration, plumbing, food production and preservation, welding and carpentry and Maritime STCW training.”

She said, “Students will be able to gain accredited certifications for immediate access to the job market with recognized levels of competency: on graduation -- job ready. We expect that the first cohort of students will enrol in September 2025.  The Ministry is simultaneously working to establish equivalencies of technical subjects for the High School Diploma.”