BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – YESTERDAY (Feb. 17), the fourth-formers of the Sandy Point High had a “life-changing experience” at their day-long Study-Skills Seminar under the theme E2O: Embracing Educational Opportunities.
The seminar was designed to inculcate a sense of self-motivation toward education for the soon-to-be school leavers.
All scheduled classes for that day were cancelled and students kicked back in a relaxed environment wearing their themed Study-skills t-shirts, as a number of notable presenters addressed the student body on topics including Time Management, Studying Habits, Attitude and Motivation.
Year Head and Block Supervisor Deslyn Richards told SKNVibes that although the seminar is traditional, it was agreed to take a different approach this year to “remind students of their purpose in school and also to prepare them for entering form five”.
“We decided that we needed to get the students know-how to study effectively. So we had an entire lesson to enlighten them as to their learning styles so that they could really benefit from what is being taught. We had another session on managing time as we realize that many students waste so much of their time on television and the things they are interested in. However, we are trying to get them to understand that at their age, their focus should be education and putting valuable time into studies that would allow them to reap benefits at the end of the day.
“We had another session on building positive attitudes in an attempt to get students to not only apply that toward their work but also toward themselves and others. Many of the responses from that session were very positive as students informed that they learned a lot and were able to relate to what was said.”
Richards informed that the day ended with a session titled “Become Motivated” which served to help students cultivate determined and disciplined minds, adding that responses from this session were “impressive” as students claimed they felt more motivated after the session.
“It is my hope that as the students become more motivated, they would maintain that motivation particularly toward their education, and toward their moral and social development at large. This is our little way of making a change in their lives, so that they can have a different view to life; aspiring to be role models in their little social corners.”
“With our E2O theme and the youthful colours we have chosen, I think we were able to generate much interest, at the same time impress upon them the importance of education. All the facilitators were very good! And, it is very encouraging for me to see changes in the lives of these children whom we attempting to mould into better persons.”
Principal of the school Lorozine Williams noted that it is critical that students be prepared to take hold of or willingly accept their educational opportunities, adding that they should take advantage of every possible source including text books, the school’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC), and resource personnel. She further stated that it is equally important for students to acquire proper socialization skills and to serve God as she opined that their “spiritual development is important as it equips you to deal with daily challenges”.
Richards underscored that the message of the seminar will continue as the school is “on a mission to shape all and mould all and give all students a chance to succeed”.
