Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): The school curriculum in St. Kitts and Nevis will undergo several changes in September 2023 as the government continues to expand learning opportunities to meet the demands of a modern twin-island state and innovative global industries.
The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Education, Youth Empowerment and Gender Affairs et al outlined some of the expected changes to the curriculum on Thursday (June 29, 2023) during the inaugural Boys of Excellence Awards Ceremony that recognized the accomplishments of 17 young men, one from each public primary school on St. Kitts.
The first new initiative is the introduction of Spanish as a subject at the preschool level. Currently, the language is introduced in the second year in public high schools according to an official at the Curriculum Development Unit.
Another change will see the introduction of skills training at the primary school level – a move designed to produce well-rounded graduates and meet the growing demand for skilled workers, some of whom may become self-employed.
The expansion of social clubs in schools is also planned to complement The Explorer’s Group, Boys’ Brigade and others.
“I am a Boy Scout,” said Dr Hanley, adding that he still is actively involved and will host a camp in mid-July. “These groups are important for shaping and moulding the lives of our young people. … In these clubs, that is where you establish discipline. Here is where you get to find out your true self, and with the training, they position you [for success].”
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, also attended the awards ceremony and noted that opportunities for young men to join St. Kitts and Nevis Cadet Corps will be readily available.
“If a boy thinks that he wants to go up into the mountains and do all of these types of things that the Cadets do, we are offering the Cadets to our young boys as well. We are going to expand it and make it much larger,” the prime minister stated.