ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, March 2nd, 2012  - In an effort to build the local knowledge base, the Ministry of Education and Culture will embark on a series of meetings with secondary principals to discuss a way forward to infuse Virgin Islands History, Tourism and Financial Services into the academic programme.

The meetings will also discuss ways to synchronize academic programmes across the Territory’s secondary schools and examine the supplementary examination process and its future within the current school system.

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has already met with some principals on these areas. Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations the Minister said, “It is important that our students are knowledgeable about the Territory’s twin economic pillars. This is crucial if we are to maintain and sustain these sectors with the necessary skills and knowledgebase needed to secure their longevity.”

The Minister added, “The implementation of these subjects within the education system will steer our young people towards the importance which will in turn benefit the entire Virgin Islands and keep us on a path towards sustained economic viability.”

Speaking on the implementation of Virgin Islands History, the Minister said, “Local history must be taught in school so that students will have the self confidence and self worth needed to be grounded in who they are as Virgin Islanders. This I am confident will have our young people seeking to positively add to the development of our islands.”

Commenting on the need and desire of educators to synchronise academic standards in all public secondary schools, particularly as it relates to the examination process, the Minister said, “As we move towards implementing a Territorial Examination Board that will be responsible for setting and marking school exams, this will test the integrity of our public education in ensuring all of our graduates meet one consistent standard.”

Minister Walwyn said the intention is for the public school system to better serve the long-term goals of students and the Virgin Islands labour force by having higher standards and supporting the academic needs to meet those standards. “We will be working towards implementing one standard that will prepare all of our students to successfully meet the demands of the labour force or their individual academic aspirations.”

On Thursday, March 8th the Department of Education will hold a full day session with all principals to discuss the way forward.

The Ministry of Education and Culture seeks to improve the quality of education with a student-centred focus which meets the economy’s diverse needs while providing a firm foundation for students to operate from.

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