Schools Update

Learning Centres Provide Solutions

Many schools suffered substantial damage during the storm, preventing them from re-opening as promptly as anticipated. As a short-term solution, many schools have been operating as learning centres, helping to provide a sense of structure and continuity for students.

Learning Centres provide an alternative learning experience to regular schooling as mandated in the Education Law 1999 and follow a number of guidelines, including:

Curriculum - to develop skills in a range of subjects, the centres focus on core subjects and a range of enrichment opportunities including IT, art, music and PE.

Grouping of students - where student numbers, teachers and facilities allow, students are taught in their regular classes. Where numbers are low, classes or groups can be combined and teachers that are normally assigned to the classes will work together to team teach, ensuring that students’ individual needs are met.

Maximum intake – Principals will decide centre numbers based on the size of the alternate location. Full-time registered students of each school will be given priority.

Teachers - there should be at least one certified teacher to every 20 students. Where necessary, teachers may be redeployed temporarily to other schools.

Length of day is at least five hours, with additional time for lunch.

Attendance is not compulsory but a register will be maintained to include students’ dates of birth and parental contacts.

School Uniforms are not a requirement of the centres but regular school uniforms or suitable, sensible clothing is recommended.

Homework is not compulsory for short-term programmes but useful projects may be prescribed for long-term programmes.

Transportation and lunches are arranged through the school principal.

During this transition period, staff is encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of their students, as everyone adjusts to the structure of schooling. It is also recommended that Principles make provisions during initial weeks for students and staff to discuss their experiences. A clear emphasis should be place on moving forward, as apposed to encouraging students to relive their hurricane experiences.