New Minister and Chief Officer Tour Clifton Hunter

Since the recent elections and subsequent reshuffling of the ministries the ministry responsible for education has gone through a slimming down process. Having dropped “Youth , Sports & Culture,” the Ministry and the new Minister are dedicated to focusing all of it efforts on the future of Cayman. As part of their familiarization of their responsibilities the new Education Minister, Hon. Rolston Anglin and the new Chief Officer, Mrs. Mary Rodrigues, took a tour of the ever growing Clifton Hunter Campus.

Head of the Education Dept, Mrs. Shirley Wahler (L) and the new Chief Officer, Mrs. Mary Rodriques (R) suit up for their visit.

Accompanied by the architects, head of Education Services, Mrs. Shirley Wahler, Head of Curriculum Services, Clive Baker and various others, the Minister and CO were able to walk around the campus and get a real feel for what the new school was about. Mr. Baker explained some of the plans and basic structure of the school as well as some of the hurdles they had already encountered and had to find solutions to.

Head of Curriculum Services Clive Baker explains some of the workings of the new campus to the Minister for Education the Hon. Rolston Anglin

The Minister is committed to the completion of the projects and took in all of the information about the new school as part of his quest to get an overall picture of education as it currently stands.

Mr. Baker highlights some key points of the building on a plan.

As far as the construction goes, the school is moving along nicely. AC ducts are being put into one of the academies, electrical prep work is being done in the main entry building and the construction of the covered walkways has started. The Facilities Manager, David Bodden was also on hand and he commented that the construction is on schedule for its September 2010 opening.

Minister Anglin and Facilities Manager David Bodden look over the Campus.
Behind them is the main entrance building and in the middle ground the construction of the covered walkways is starting

Teachers Tour Clifton Hunter Campus

Clive Baker points out a few features of the new classrooms.

This past Friday 8 teachers from John Gray High School had an opportunity to tour the on construction at the Clifton Hunter campus in Frank Sound and preview the teaching learning spaces. Head of Curriculum Services, Clive Baker escourted the teachers around to the major points of interest on the campus and explained how the classroom and internal areas on campus would work together as a whole. Construction is now at the stage where it easy to imagine the learning spaces all fitted out and full of students and the excitement on the teachers’ faces was clearly evident as they looked around.

The teachers look over the furure swiming pool and field.

Also on hand in some very fashionable pink wellingtons was Caroline Dawes, Head of Teaching and Learning. Ms. Dawes discussed how the campus would function on a day to day basis with students moving between academies and utilizing the cafeteria area during lunch breaks. By the end of the tour, the anticipation and enthusiasm was palpable among the teachers who clearly can’t wait to take ownership of the new school campus and take full advantage of all that the new and improved facility has to offer.

A Tom Jones International employee shows the group a few key points in the new gym.

A rendering of the gym at John Gray. Clifton Hunter's gym will be very similar.

New Schools Interior Animations

With the continued progress at Clifton Hunter campus and walls going up everywhere, the focus and interest in the new schools is starting to shift to the interior of the building and what they will look like. Thanks to the architects at OWP/P we can show you video of what the insides are planned to look like. These animations really give a good sense of space and dimension to the interior of the new schools, as well the flexibility of the new classrooms. (BH)

Despite Paloma, Clifton Hunter campus moves forward.

Hurricane Paloma dealt Cayman Brac and Little Cayman a severe blow and reports indicate that the all of the schools on the Brac sustained fairly significant damage. Out thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected and as a Ministry we will continue to do all that we can to support the recovery effort and get the schools in the Brac up and running as quickly as possible.

A worker ties up rebar in preparation for casting a column

On a positive note from here in Grand Cayman, considerable progress continues to be made at the Clifton Hunter Campus in Frank Sound. The buildings are really starting to take shape as all of the foundations for the buildings have been laid and work has begun in earnest on the exterior shells. On four of the buildings approximately 30% of the exterior shell has been completed. Construction is slightly ahead of schedule, and with the end of the hurricane season almost in sight, delays due to bad weather are not expected as the project moves forward.

In even more good news, the contactor Tom Jones International has maintained a 100% safety record throughout the construction period thus far and holds weekly safety meetings with all workers to make sure that safety remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind. (BH)

The new George Town Primary School - work starts..(Going down before rising up!)

Ground works are well and truely underway now at the site of the new George Town Primary School as the photos in this blog entry reveal. It may be a sea of mud right now but the very positive signs of progress actually happening will excite students staff and the community alike.

The stunning designs for this school will result in the new school environment really embracing modern day thinking for education and allow students to develop as exciting 21st century learners. GTPS is already starting to work this way - the new facilities will really enhance the opportunities that they have for their students and the local community.

The historic 'Rock Hole' will be a key feature of the school site - is this water filled hole it... views are mixed right now! It is causing an interesting debate with the community which is very interested in the forthcoming development. (GL)

Cayman education : Professor Heppell gets interviewed by CITN from San Diego

Professor Stephen Heppell taking part in an international media interview from San Diego with Donna Bush of Cayman 27 Television Company of the Cayman Islands. This interview should be broadcast next week.

This interview took place during just after the closing session of the Annual cefpi conference (see below). Crucially he speaks about why there has been just so much interest in the Cayman Islands story.

Krista is heard internationally again!!

John Gray student Krista has been heard internationally yet again as she spoke the closing words of Professor Stephen Heppell's closing presentation to hundreds of delegates of the Annual cepfi Conference in San Diego this week.

The video, originally filmed for the World Ministers of Education Conference in London 2008, still really sums up the important message about the real feeling of students and their ambitions for their future!

When she filmed this before Christmas 2007, she could never have predicted how often her own words have been shown all round the world. She really has summed up the feeling of students - they want to be noticed not just in their own country, but in the whole world!! (GL)

The world really is watching... continued

Deputy Chief Officer Vaughan Carter, Chief Officer Mrs Angela Martins, Professor Stephen Heppell, President of cefpi Merle Kirkley, Rick Dewar and Trung Le of oWp/p (Cayman High School architects) and joined by Gareth Long, former Strategic Development Advisor (Education) who attended representing a major UK builder of 'Schools of the Future'.

The blog entry below refers to Professor Heppell promoting the work being done in the Cayman Islands as really visionary and an example to the very best practice leading to education transformation. He did this as part of his keynote speeech at the influential Annual cefpi Conference.

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What could not have been predicted however was the huge interest that has grown during this conference in not just what is happening in Cayman Islands education, but the approach taken to achieve the progress that has been achieved so far.
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Professor Heppell has often told the Ministry that the world is watching the Cayman story.. from the evidence gathered here, from delegates representing, the USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore, that is most certainly true! (GL)
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Cayman education gets even more international coverage!

Professor Stephen Heppell talking about the George Hicks Campus during the Annual cefpi Conference

The new Cayman Islands schools designs have featured very highly this week at a major international conference on future school design in San Diego.

The Council of Education Facilities Planners International Conference (cefpi) is the most important conference of its type in the USA and Canada, this year. This year there were close to a thousand delegates from a number of countries, including: The USA, Canada, Australia, U.K, Jordan, Mexico, Singapore, Dubai and Cayman Islands.

The Cayman schools, and part of the education transformation story was referred to a number of times by Key Note Speaker, and consultant to the Cayman Islands; Professor Stephen Heppell. Unusually for a key note speaker, Prof Heppell is staying all three days and will also close the conference with another presentation.

His comments included the references to the definition of the ‘Educated Caymanian’, the ICT link up of the Little Cayman Education Service to a school in the UK and Cayman Brac, the ICT link up of George Hicks students dropping ‘electronically’ into a conference on schools design to students from three schools in the UK and also a reference to the splitting of the large George Hicks High school to the four small schools on the George Hicks Campus.

Interestingly, a very large number of delegates had already heard of the transformation work being undertaken in Cayman and were very eager to hear more. It is very clear, that the designs in the Cayman Islands really do represent a clear vision of how school designs will reflect the future learning needs of students. Subsequent speakers and planners spent many hours discussing the journey needed to get close to the work that has already been done in the Cayman context.

The feedback about the education transformation of the Cayman Islands was fantastically positive! (GL)

Building work starts at the new John Gray Campus

Builders are now really busy on the second of the three new secondary campuses on Grand Cayman. The John Gray Campus has seen considerable work being done to the delight of staff and students alike as they start the new school year.
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Construction has started on the area housing the new world class sports facility, commencing with the construction of a huge water cistern to be located under the hall. It really is a case of building downwards prior to the above ground works. However, everyone will soon seen walls beginning to emerge from the ground.

The Minister of Education; Hon. Alden McLaughlin is pictured above touring the works undertaken so far, accompanied by Chief Officer and Permanent Secretary; Mrs Angela Martins.

Work will start on the new Beulah Smith Campus soon, the third new facility, with the recent appointment of a contractor. (GL)

The new Clifton Hunter Campus rises from the ground...

Dramatic progress is being made by contractors Tom Jones International as the new Clifton Hunter Campus rises high from the ground.

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Many people thought these new campuses would never actually be built, despite the consistent assurances of the Ministry of Education. These photographs demonstrate how much has been done in a short period of time, not just to those interested locally, but also to the many interested educators all around the worlds who are watching these innovative new designs schools with very great interest. (GL)

Minister of Education hosts visiting UK MP's

Members of The All Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands

Back Row L to R: MP's Michael Fallon, Lindsay Hoyle, Nigel Evans

Front Row L to R: Baroness Golding MP, Ian Davidson MP and Cayman Islands Government Rep Jennifer Dilbert

Photo Source: Caymannewsservice.com

Sunday 27th July: Hon Alden McLaughlin, Minister of Education hosted a dinner for visiting UK MP’s from the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands (APPG) and took the oportunity to brief them on the importance of the educational reforms currently taking place in the Cayman Islands.

The visiting delegation includes Michael Fallon MP, who was Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Schools between 1990 and 1992, along with Ian Davidson (Labour), Baroness Llin Golding (Labour), Lindsay Hoyle (Labour), Nigel Evans (Conservative) and Jennifer Dilbert, Cayman Islands Government Representative in the UK.

The visiting Ministers were keenly interested in hearing about how the transformation of our education service is progressing and will no doubt be joining the throng of education Ministers and senior officials from more than 72 countries around the world who are tracking developments via this blogsite. (GM)

Pouring Concrete at 2.00 a.m.

Photo to follow

There really is massive determination to ensure that our new schools are built in a timely way.

To work most effectively at the site of the Clifton Hunter Campus, the contractors Tom Jones International decided to undertake the first large concrete pours at 2.00 a.m over a couple of nights.

The benefits of this are obviously that the temperatures were much cooler, and very significantly, the roads were empty, allowing the conveys of concrete trucks to get to the site much quicker!

There is really a great deal of excitement, especially amongst teachers, that work has started on these great 21st century learning environments. (GL)

New Secondary Campuses from the air...

The Clifton Hunter Campus showing clear signs of construction

As part of the Ministry determination to record each stage of the development of the new 21st century secondary campuses, ariel photographs of each site were taken from Cayman Helicopters today. Construction has only started so far at the Clifton Hunter site, although work on the John Gray Campus starts imminently. Work on the Beualh Smith Campus will start in a few months time.

Photographs by Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education), taken from Cayman Helicopters.

The Beulah Smith Campus being built round the National Cricket Ground. (The Sports complex and pool at are being built at the top of the photograph)
The John Gray Campus, with part of the existing John Gray School buildings, opposite the newly refurbished National Sports stadium.

The new George Town Primary School site

An important part of building the new campuses across Grand Cayman is to record all the stages that take place on the journey towards their completion. The site for the cutting edge 21st century designed new George Town Primary School is clearly shown in the photographs here - it is totally land locked so site photographs can really only be taken from the air.

The photograph below clearly shows the historic 'rock hole' which will become an environmental feature of the new school and is cleverly incorporated within the design.

The photographs were taken from the doorless Cayman helicopter by Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education)

The Cayman helicopter with the door back on!

The new Cayman Curriculum presented in San Fransico

The international interest in all aspects of the Cayman Islands education transformation process continues apace. The latest aspect to be shared revolves around the new National Curriculum.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation, North America, will host its 27th Annual Conference in San Francisco for North America and the Caribbean participants. At the conference, the Cayman Islands story concerning the development of the new National Curriculum will be represented by Head of Curriculum Services; Mr. Clive Baker and former Director of the Education Standards and Assessment Unit; Mrs. Helena McVeigh.
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Both Clive and Helena have played a year role in the development of the new National Curriculum and the promotion of the IB PYP Programme in the Cayman Islands, and are ideally suited to deliver their presentation titled The Primary Years Programme as a Framework for National School Improvement.
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The Powerpoint presentation for the session can be found here, and also at the top of the green section on the right labeled "Education innovation links". (GL/MR)

Cayman Teacher recognised internationally

Mr. Keeley carries out hands–on activities with Year 5 students from Prospect Primary School earlier this year.

It was with great pleasure to learn that a long time Cayman Islands teacher's environmental work has been recognised internationally. Martin Keeley, who is also Education Director of the Mangrove Action Project Martin Keeley has been selected to receive the National Marine Educators Association’s Outstanding Teacher Award for 2008.

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Mr. Keeley was recognized for his history of outstanding performance as a marine science educator in the Pacific Northwest and the Cayman Islands. This award honours effective and innovative marine science education in the classroom. Mr. Keeley will be honoured on July 23, 2008 at a ceremony during the National Marine Educators Association’s annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, hosted by the Georgia Association of Marine Education.

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Mr. Keeley, who is Brac campus director for the University College of the Cayman Islands, has been teaching in Cayman since 1998. He researched, developed and produced the Marvellous Mangroves in the Cayman Islands teachers’ guide in conjunction with the National Trust, the Department of Educational Services and MAP, and has been responsible for its implementation in schools throughout Cayman.He has also supervised the adaptation, translation and implementation of Marvellous Mangroves for the education systems in several other countries including Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and, most recently, Brazil.
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“I am honoured to have been given this prestigious award,” he says. “It recognises there is a continual need for students to learn, through hands–on exploration, the true importance of the natural world around them,” said Mr. Keeley.“Mangroves are essential not only for the survival of marine, avian and terrestrial species which depend on them, but for our own survival,” he adds. “Those of us who live on tropical coastlines where mangroves form the buffer between us and ocean–driven storms need their protection against hurricanes. This is especially true with the advent of climate change and its accompanying sea–level rise, and the horrendous damage caused by massive storms like the Cyclone Nargis, which recently hit Myanmar, and the 2004 Asian Tsunami.”
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NMEA is a national professional organisation founded in 1976 for all educators of marine and aquatic science. With more than 3,000 members NMEA is represented primarily in North America, but has chapters in other parts of the world including the Caribbean, Australia and Oceana (based in Hawaii).
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Our congratulations go to Martin for his outstanding work in the area of mangroves and environmental conservation. (MR/GL, adapted from the Cayman News Service website).

New Principal at Bodden Town Primary School

The Department of Education Services (DoES) has announced the appointment of Ms Cetonya Cacho as the new Principal at Bodden Town Primary School.

Ms Cacho was previously a teacher and member of the senior team at Red Bay Primary School. During the last academic year she has been undertaking further studies, doing the MBA in Education Management at the University of Southampton in the U.K. We were delighted to learn that she was awarded a distinction for this course, being named as the top student.

There is a continued emphasis and commitment to provide high quality training for able Caymanians as we work to continue to improve the leadership capacity within our education service.

The Ministry would like to congratulate Ms Cacho on her achievements and her appointment to Bodden Town. (GL)

UK Media writing about the George Hicks Campus

The highly reputable UK newspaper 'The Guardian' conducted a telephone interview with Cayman staff today for an article in its regular 'Schools of the Future' Supplement. The story was specifically about the very successful splitting of the large George Hicks High School into the four smaller schools on one campus which opened in September 2006, and the impact it has had specifically on the students and their learning.

This is further demonstration of the international interest in the transformation of the Cayman Islands education service. The interview was with Ms Lyneth Monteith, School Leader of Leading Edge High School and Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education) from the Ministry.

The resulting five hundred word story will be published in September - watch this blog for a link to it in the future. (GL)

Clifton Hunter Campus - the metal rises from the ground!

Progress is rapid in the development of the new Clifton Hunter Secondary Campus and people are amazed that already metal is rising from the ground!

There is still immense interest from all around the world in the development of these 'cutting edge' designed campuses and real excitement in Cayman from all sectors, students, staff and the community, that they can now see them beginning to be built!

Work will also start on the new John Gray Campus in the next few days - watch this space! (GL)

Lighthouse School students graduate with new ASDAN certificates

The four LHS graduates, Andrew Smilley, Rico Codner, Joanna Ebanks and Sarah Terry. This is the first year that graduates wore gowns.

Students at the Lighthouse School graduated yesterday in front of a large appreciative audience. This really was a great event where students really proved again how well they had done with some exceptional performances, both academic, sporting and in the arts. Lighthouse School is a specialist school for students with a range of physical and/or learning challenges.
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A first this year was the awarding of ASDAN certificates for students. This course started this academic year and was one of the first tangible changes of the introduction of the new curriculum where students worked on courses awarding internationally recognised qualifications.
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The graduation was combined with the school prize-giving and musical performances - the whole event really left the audience filled with admiration with the determination and positive attitudes of the students, staff and parents that work so closely together! (GL)

Hon . Minister Alden McLaughlin presenting the ASDAN certificate to student Rico Codner

Students take part in 'live' international school design workshop

Three students from Leading Edge High School took part in an international school design workshop today using the Internet for live international links. In a workshop organised by Professor Stephen Heppell, a large group of one hundred students from schools in Kent were spending a day helping design new schools. They are also shooting a video about what NOT to do in new schools and things they would like included.

Kent is the largest education authority in the UK and is embarking on a £1.8 billion rebuild of all its secondary school and the voice of learners is central to that process..

As part of their workshop they questioned students in Tasmania where it was midnight and very cold and followed on by contacting the Cayman Islands where it was 7.00a.m. and hot. Using SKYPE on a MacBook there was an excellent clear video and audio signal for the 25 minute 'live' question and answer session.

The UK students quizzed students Appolina Bent, Kerseanna Ewers and Daniella Borden on many aspects of their school, from the number of students, what classrooms were like, how much outdoor learning they did, the types of computers they used, the range of subjects, what they would change about the layout of their school, through to what the lunch arrangements were (as well as the menus). As the students relaxed they became more confident and chatted happily away to their UK counterparts, who obviously they had never met before.

This was a really successful web conference and really demonstrated the effectiveness and immediacy of real live research using the Internet. The feedback received from the UK after the event was excellent and it is obvious that our students would love to be able to more of this type of project. (GL)

Leading Edge students: Appolina Bent, Kerseanna Ewers and Danielle Borden.

Construction starts at Clifton Hunter Campus

Construction has started on the new Clifton Hunter Campus! This is the first of the three new 21st century secondary campuses where construction work has actually commenced and already contractors Ton Jones International have demonstrated that they are working hard.
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Students, teachers, parents, education officials and the community alike are all excited that the long preparation work has now reached this stage where physical progress can be seen.
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The next secondary campus to start will be the John Gray site, where work is projected to start in early September. Further news on the construction of the Beulah Smith Campus will be announced later when contract issues and negotiations are completed.
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All three secondary campuses, along with the new George Town Primary School are slated to be open for students in September 2010. (GL)

Creating more welcoming learning spaces

Schools are making increasing efforts to create more interesting and welcoming learning spaces and trialling the creation of a range of different zones within their schools.

The introduction of soft seating in the reading corner of one classroom at Prospect Primary School has been enthusiastically welcomed by students who love to sit and read there. Additionally the introduction of soft cushions in the reading / performance sunken area of the library (photo below) have made it a much more welcoming and popular place for students to sit and read.

The whole issue of furniture, fixtures and fittings (FF&E) in schools is very complex. The more schools trial and evaluate a range of resources, for design, functionality, colour etc, the better. Their findings will be shared with colleagues throughout the system so that as we continue to move forward in developing 21st century learning environments we make decisions based on real research and data.

Minister records his first podcast with Professor Heppell

Hon. Minister with Professor Stephen Heppell recording the podcast, assisted by Wes Emmanuel of GIS

Such is the interest in the ongoing education transformation process, that the Minister has frequently been asked to record a podcast of the presentation given to upto 64 Ministers of Education at the international 'Moving Young Minds' conference in London earlier ths year. (For original blog entry click here)
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This week, accompanied by Professor Stephen Heppell, the Hon. Minister recorded his first ever podcast with the introduction by Professor Heppell, as was the case in London. The completed podcast will be accompanied by the slide show of images used in the original presentation.

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When the technicalities are completed, the podcast will be able to be downloaded from the Brighter Futures website. More details will also be posted on this blog.

National Literacy Strategy - Professional Development

Teachers in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac have been engaging in professional development surrounding the National Literacy Strategy throughout the months of May and June. In a two-part series of interactive workshops, the islands’ Literacy Coordinators are introducing the teaching faculty to the national strategy, with an emphasis on pedagogy. Teachers are being introduced to the methods that will be used to teach and assess literacy in the Cayman Islands. With opportunities to explore Guided Reading, Guided Writing, mini-lessons and best practices, teachers are being prepared for the implementation of a balanced approach to literacy instruction.

Teachers and schools will continue to be supported in the upcoming academic year through wide-ranging professional development that includes an emphasis on instructional coaching.For more information regarding the National Literacy Strategy, please contact Tanya Dwight at Tanya.dwight@gov.ky (Posted by MR, Department of Education Services)

Inter-Primary School Sports at the newly upgraded Truman Bodden Centre

The Hon. Minister photographed giving a few remarks with just a few of the many participant of the Annual Inter Primary School Sports competition today. Participants came from many government and private primary schools, including representatives from Cayman Brac.

This is the first schools competition to take place in the newly upgraded Truman Bodden Sports Complex, which includes an international competition standard running track and FIFA standard football (soccer) field. (GL)

Parents and Teachers hear update on the new George Town Primary School

Just some of the audience of parents and teachers

A good sized group of parents and staff met the Hon. Minister and architects (CS and P) last night, to hear the latest news on the progress towards the construction of the new George Town Primary School.

Listening to descriptions of the current work, and the value engineering process that had taken place, they were delighted that the academic parts of the school, that they had been so involved with designing, had not been affected.

The very exciting designs for the school are on track to be opened for students in September 2010. (GL)

Hon. Minister and Ms. Maureen O'Shaughnessy, architect with CSandP

Preparation for the New George Town Primary School continues

One the many meetings this week. Above are (l - r) : Craig Goodman, Maureen O'Shaughnessy and Adrian Phillips from CS&P, with Donal McGrath from BDCL

The new primary school for George Town Primary School continues to develop. Although there is no physical construction work to observe, there is still very considerable design and preparation work happening behind the scenes.
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The architects (CSandP from Toronto and BDCL from Cayman) have been in the Ministry all week in 'back to back' meetings as the work continues.

The new exciting cutting edge designed campus is planned to be open for students in September 2010. (GL)

Students demonstrate high aspirations through Art

from l to r: Airline Pilot, Artist, Architect, Lawyer, Judge

Primary school students recently demonstrated their high aspirations as part of the Art exhibition for the National Children's Festival of the Arts (NCFA).

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Students from George Town Primary School, under the heading of "Brighter Futures" created just great pieces of art work demonstrating their ambitions for the future. The photograph above is just a selection of the many pieces entered. (GL)

Grand Opening for National Children's Festival of the Arts

The Grand Opening of the National Children's Festival of the Arts (NCFA) and the Art Exhibition took place this week at the historic Pedro's Castle. This is the first time the opening has been done in such a large scale way, and is one of a number of 'firsts' for this annual festival.

Attended by the Acting Governor, Minister of Education, elected MLA's and many other visitors, the evening was packed full of talent from students representing a wide number of schools. Students gave performances of all art forms, including the Swing Band from John Gray High School, dance groups, choirs, solos, and dialect choirs.

Many people commented on how tasteful the whole evening was and how well planned with every detail, including art work and performances reflecting the highest quality. Congratulations to all the organisers and participants of this ongoing festival. (GL)

Ministers' Briefing for Finance Committee

In preparation for Finance Committee debate on Ministry spending, senior staff have been briefing the Hon. Minister on their exciting plans for the next year as part of the drive to continue to raise standards throughout the education service.

Pictured above are: Mrs Mary Bowerman, Acting Director, Education Standards and Assessment Unit, Mrs Shirley Wahler, Chief Education Officer and Hon. Minister Mr Alden McLauglin. (GL)

Contracts signed for new secondary campuses!

Mrs. Angela Martins, Chief Officer of the Ministry, signs contracts with Mr. Hunter Jones of Tom Jones International, for both secondary campuses.

A very exciting event happened as the contracts for building the new secondary facilities for John Gray and Clifton Hunter Campuses were signed today. This follows a protracted time of hard negotiation. This will allow construction to proceed as soon as the supporting infrastructure is in place. The successful contractor for both campuses is Tom Jones International.

The contract negotiations for the Beulah Smith Campus are still under way. More information on this Campus will be posted at a later date.

The scheduled effective opening for all the new campuses to take students is September 2010. (GL)

Mrs Angela Martins presents a cheque to Mr Hunter Jones, of Tom Jones International for mobilisation of construction resources

Beulah Smith Campus also rises from the ground!

We have recently posted photographs on the blog of the groundworks nearing completion for the Clifton Hunter Campus and completed at the John Gray Campus. Whilst the above photograph is not particularly exciting photograph in itself, it does show the completed groundworks at the Beulah Smith Campus in West Bay and the start of a fantastic learning environment.

This major work is the first stage of the development of the new 21st century secondary learning environments being built, due to open in 2010.

Meet Ian Jordan, new ICT Systems Administrator

A key party of the transformation of the Education Service has been to ensure that schools get the services they need to support students in their learning. For ICT support the strategy has been to totally review and increase the numbers and capacity of the technical support team.
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A new member of the team this year is Ian Jordan, an ICT Systems Administrator providing technical support to Cayman's schools. Ian has worked with a number of organisations which include The Ministry of Local Government in Jamaica, Medianet Technologies and most recently Huawei Technologies de Mexico.
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Currently, Ian is supporting the Western Learning Community - George Town Primary School, and John A. Cumber Primary School as well as the Alternative Education Centre, Lighthouse Schools and Prospect Primary School.
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He is recently married to Joy Jordan, a Spanish teacher on the George Hicks Campus. Ian is very knowledgeable in the technical field and particularly strong in troubleshooting network issues. Mr. Steve Durksen, ICT Manager for the Ministry of Education says; "Ian is a great asset to the team and brings networking skills that are invaluable to supporting the many sites in the education ICT network. Ian recently completed Citrix training and will be involved in supporting the Sims MIS program and the educational programs to be delivered through Citrix in 08-09". (SD/GL)

New Playground at John A Cumber Primary School

The new playground at John A Cumber Primary School has now opened. The original playground was forced to move by the development of the new Beulah Smith Secondary Campus. Developing a previously unused piece of land to create a large outdoor playspace, it is actually better positioned within the school compound. Students love it! (GL)

SIMS in the Cayman Islands attracts more media attention

The introduction of the new Capita 'Schools Integrated Management System' (SIMS) into the education service of the Cayman Islands continues to attract the attention of the international education and ICT world. The latest press release appears in Computer Business Review online. This release has now run in many places and is being 'picked up' numerous times by the media.

To read the full release click here. (GL)

Minister interviewed by Brazilian TV

As part of the interest in the transformation of the education service, the Minister: Hon Alden McLaughlin was today interviewed by journalist Luis Nachbin, of the Futura Television Channel of Brazil.

The half hour documentary, due to be broadcast in November 2008, will focus on a variety of things, especially focussing on Helen Tse, author and her amazing literacy competition for secondary students held earlier this year, the broader literacy issues in the Cayman Islands and other issues, including the holistic approach to the education transformation process.

The interest in Cayman continues........ all the time!

The Cayman story continues to be spread around the world.

In just the last few weeks alone, the Cayman Islands story of holistic education transformation continues to be spread around the world.

Recent references include:

• an article in the prestigious 'Education Facility Planner' magazine, in an article entitled "Innovative Schools in Britain, Australia and the Cayman Islands",
• a world wide press release from Capita concerning our use of the new SIMS software to "allow the use of technology to give unprecedented access to information and data we need to help students improve their performance
• promotion of a seminar entitled "From Chicago to the Caymans" to be held as part of the "Building Better Schools" Summit in London in June. The seminar is being led by oWp/p, architects of the high schools
• a detailed description of the work being done in the Cayman Islands during a lecture given by Professor Stephen Heppell in Scotland

We have often said that the world would be watching our transformation process with interest, these are just some examples of how this is happening. (GL)

Teachers visit Tampa for IB professional development

The ongoing drive towards raising of standards and the professional development of teachers within the Government education system continues, as the system moves closer to adopting the International Baccalaureate certification in our primary schools.

Six George Town Primary and two John A. Cumber Primary teachers visited James B. Sanderlin Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida this past month.

The purpose of the visit was to develop a greater understanding of the Primary Years Program (PYP) and to provide an opportunity for both teachers and administrators to analyse the curriculum framework, examine assessment procedures, and explore the learning environment of an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.
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Observations took place over a period of 3 days in which professionals made numerous inquiries of the school’s management, teaching, learning and evaluation procedures. The visit provided an opportunity for educators to exchange ideas and gain knowledge of a transdisciplinary programme for primary school students.

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The really collaborative way of teachers working and planning together between schools really started since the Learning Community concept was set up, and has really helped improve the curriculum planing process. This was a direct result of the 'National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands' and the transformation of the governance model for education.

Adapted from blogs from the Department of Education Services and George Town Primary School. (GL)

Cayman Brac and Little Cayman get their own ICT Systems Administrator!

An essential part of the education transformation process has been the strengthening of the ICT systems in schools and the technical support for teachers in ensuring that all systems and equipment function as designed. The schools on the smaller islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, have for the first time, now got their own ICT Systems Administrator to keep their systems 'live'.
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After working in Grand Cayman nine years ago, MaryAnn Keeler returned to the Cayman Islands last December to fill the capacity of Systems Administrator for all the schools in the Sister Islands. She has over 15 years experience as a computer trainer and technician in Canadian businesses and organizations and is a welcome addition to the Ministry of Education ICT Team of four other Systems Administrators under the direction of ICT Manager; Steven Durksen.

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MaryAnn supports the Little Cayman Education Service, West End Primary School, Creek and Spot Bay Primary Schools and Cayman Brac High School. She will also be taking a leadership role in the management of the deployment of the exciting new online portal ‘Studywiz’ which will be launched soon.
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MaryAnn brings not only skills as a technician but also as a trainer which is key as she also assists in training teachers to use ICT effectively in the classroom and integrate ICT across all subject areas in the curriculum.

Hailing from British Columbia in Canada, MaryAnn found returning to the Cayman Islands was not a difficult decision for her as just loves on this "beautiful island". She is very active in the community and volunteers her services with the Cayman Islands Humane Society. She is also a member of the Brac Business Professional Women’s club.

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Mary Ann recently featured as 'Sister Islands Person of the Week' in a local newspaper - Click here. The Ministry welcomes her to the ICT team. (SD/GL)

Clifton Hunter Campus - Groundworks continue at a fast pace

The groundworks at the Clifton Hunter Secondary Campus in Frank Sound continue at great pace. Many people have commented on the height of the 'pads' which now clearly delineate the position of the various buildings on the campus. These ground works are scheduled to finish within the next few weeks thereby allowing construction to start. (GL)

Progress moves on developing the new secondary campuses

Following the recent announcements concerning the development of the new secondary campuses, (see posts below), the myriad of meetings 'behind the scenes' carry on. This week they include contract meetings, value engineering, contract deducts, right through to the landscape requirements of the sites.

This is a very exciting time in the development of the new campuses - keep reading this blog for more updates and images very soon!
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The photograph above shows architects, quantity surveyor, the Ministry Project Manager for New Facilities and senior Ministry staff. (GL)

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Six Schools apply for International Baccalaureate Candidate status

The ongoing progress towards improving standards in teaching and learning has reached another milestone with six government primary schools applying for candidate status in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The six schools are: Northside Primary School, Prospect Primary School, Savannah Primary School, John A Cumber Primary School, George Town Primary School and Creek & Spot Bay Primary School. These are the first state schools in the Caribbean to have done so.

All teachers in primary schools are now involved in collaborative planning within their Learning Communities as part iof the IB initiative.

In secondary schools, a range of new and exciting exam options are now on offer to students, as well some innovative ways of introducing extended learning opportunities at the George Hicks campus.

A key part of the overall national curriculu process, parents are currently being trained on the new form of assessment, which is based on levels. (LP/GL)

The Ministry of Education has fun as well!

Minister of Education and Culture leads the way!
The Minister of Education, (who also happens to be the Minister of Culture) leading the Ministry team during the annual Batabano carnival this weekend.

The Ministry team work extremely hard but it is great that the team spirit allows them to enjoy life and play hard as well! Winning cups for 'Best Individual Female' and '3rd Place Adult Band' (out of 14) was just a bonus

LoGB announces the start of building for the new learning campuses.

Thursday saw the Leader of Government Business, the Hon. D. Kurt Tibbetts, announce to the regular Cabinet media briefing, the awarding of building contracts for two of the new secondary learning campuses. It is hoped that the awarding of the contract for the third site will be announced shortly.

Whilst the announcement included a delayed date of 2010 for the opening of all new 21st century learning environments, Mr Tibbetts also stressed that the transformation of the education service was ongoing and even accelerating.

These are really exciting times in education for the Cayman Islands. More details of other initiatives will follow in new posts over the next few days.

Construction to start on new secondary campuses

The Central Tenders Committee has approved the award of contracts for the construction of two new secondary education campuses, John Gray Campus in George Town and Clifton Hunter Campus in Frank Sound, signaling the imminent start of these much-anticipated capital works projects. Whilst plans to start construction on the Beulah Smith Campus in West Bay are also progressing, further dialogue is required at this sensitive stage of contract negotiations, in order to secure the best value for public expenditure. It is hoped that these negotiations will be resolved in the near future at which time details will be submitted to the Central Tenders Committee for review and evaluation.

Challenges facing the government’s capital funding programme have necessitated an extension of the originally anticipated project lead-times of the construction projects, bringing the revised schedule for completion of the new high school campuses to September 2010, when the facilities will be fully operational for the start of the 2010/2011 academic term.

Meanwhile work on the new facilities for George Town Primary School continues in earnest, with ground-breaking expected to take place in the next academic year. The new George Town Primary School too will be operational by September 2010.

New Head of HR Services starts

The Department of Education Services is delighted to announce the appointment of the new Head of HR Services; Ms Debra Aiken. Ms Aiken comes with a wealth of experience in senior educational-administrator and human resource positions. She brings the ideal mix of education and human resource skills and experience, as well as proven leadership capabilities to this most critical role within the Department.

This post arose as a key part of the 'National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands' document as part of Strategy Four, concerning the creation of a new HR unit within the education system - part of a total review of the governance model for education.

Ms Aiken noted; "I am thrilled about the opportunity to play a part in the education transformation process in the Cayman Islands during these exciting times of change for the entire system". (LP/GL)

Ogier supports GTPS with computers

Students at George Town Primary School (GTPS) recently received a complete set of computers for the school’s computer lab, compliments of Ogier. The computers, which were installed at the end of March, are an upgrade from the previous models and support the Ministry of Education’s information technology strategy which calls for the integration of computers and related technology into the classroom environment.

“Ogier is supportive of the focus placed on information and communications technology in the national curriculum, and are pleased to have been able to assist in the continued development of students’ computer literacy with the donation of these computers,” said James Bagnall, partner at Ogier.

The donated computers became available after a planned hardware upgrade at the law firm, which chose to refurbish and donate the machines rather than discard them. The computers were wiped and re-imaged with new operating systems and educational software and installed at George Town Primary School during the students’ Easter break.

“The students noticed the new machines immediately, and were excited to begin using them,” said GTPS principal Ms. Marie Martin. “We are grateful to Ogier for providing us with these computers, which will allow the students to continue to expand upon their IT skills.” (GL / Ogier)

Rugby World Cup visits Heritage High School

The early rounds of the Rugby World Cup are currently being held in the Cayman Islands - this is a massive event for the country. Accompanying the competition is the presence of the actual World Cup trophy - it has only ever been in seven countries previously.

Students in Heritage High School were extremely fortunate to have it brought to their school and told all about it, accompanied by media, television etc. This is probably the only chance that students will ever get to see or touch it in their lives and they were extremely excited about the opportunity.

Developing links between the the wider community and schools is a key element of the education transformation process in Cayman and one that schools have really worked hard to develop. Heritage High School has worked particularly hard at this aspect of its development and is the only school that the Rugby World Cup visited.

Teams in Cayman for this crucial knock out round of matches include, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Guyana, Jamaica, Bermuda, the Bahamas and of course the Cayman Islands. (GL)

NELP Awards presented to School Leaders

Three SChool Leaders were recently recognised for outstanding achievement when the Education Ministry presented them with their awards for successfully completing the National Education Leadership Programme (NELP).

The NELP training programme is designed specifically for education professionals in, or seeking to adopt, leadership roles. Those who have been through the NELP programme agree that its rigorous demands put educators through their paces.

Education Ministry Chief Officer and Permanent Secretary Angela Martins, who presented the awards, said: “We are tremendously proud of the achievements of these three education professionals, who have demonstrated exceptional determination and ability by successfully completing the NELP.” She added: “We believe firmly that the professional development of our educators is an essential strategy for building an effective education system, and that leadership potential must be harnessed where it clearly exists.”

The three proud recipients of the NELP award were, Allison Wallace, Deputy Principal, Red Bay Primary School; Deborah Chaves-Thompson, Principal, Montessori-by-the-Sea; and Lyneth Monteith, School Leader of Leading Edge High School on the George Hicks Campus in George Town.

The NELP programme, which started in 2003, was developed specifically for the Cayman Islands and has to date been administered by the Education Standards and Assessment Unit, the government body responsible for conducting independent evaluations of Cayman’s public and private schools. Mary Bowerman, Acting Director of the Education Standards and Assessment Unit, explains: “NELP is a challenging, practical programme based on best practices in real schools. It focuses on developing the leadership and management capabilities of principals and senior managers.”

The two-year programme was developed in partnership with the London Centre for Leadership in Learning in the UK and takes into account the particular needs of schools in the Cayman Islands.

“NELP integrates well with the current student-centred thinking in education in the Cayman Islands, because it benefits students directly by equipping school leaders with the practical skills they need to run institutions which focus on students’ needs,” she said.

NELP provides its successful candidates with the equivalent of the UK’s National Professional Qualification for Headship, which is compulsory for Principals in England and Wales. Topics covered by NELP include developing and implementing a vision, strategic and development planning, target setting, performance evaluation, team-leading, managing resources and meeting students’ needs.

Shirley Wahler, Chief Education Officer at the Department of Education Services, also reiterated the value of NELP in the professional development framework for educators. “Successfully completing NELP is a significant achievement. These three professionals are testimony to the level of talent we can boast to possess locally, and we hope to see greater numbers coming through the course successfully in future years,” she said.

“Strong and visionary leadership is the key to running an effective education institution. By helping to develop the leadership and management skills of our local educators, we can be sure that we are also developing the standard of teaching and learning delivered to our students.” (GL)

Week of the Young Child - Cayman style!

This week marks the 10th Anniversary celebrations across the Cayman Islands for the Week of the Young Child. Week of the Young Child is an international celebration which focuses on children age 0 – 8 years old.

Activities in the Cayman Islands started with church services in Grand Cayman and on Cayman Brac. where children sang, prayed and recited Scripture verses.

On Monday a community-wide bedtime story pyjama party took place at Camana Bay and was a fun filled evening for all who attended. Children enjoyed cookies and milk and decorating a pillowcase to call their own. Many children came in their pyjamas. A star cast of local personalities came in their pyjamas and read the children books. The evening also included singing and dancing to keep the party going.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of pre-school children and their staff came together in front of the Government Administration building to sing songs and nursery rhymes to the Minister of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture. The Minister was joined by the Leader of Government Business, the Minister of Health and Human Services and the Minister of Communication, Works and Infrastructure.

After the children had entertained the Ministers, they were presented with some books to take back to their pre-schools by Minister McLaughlin. Then it was time for refreshments before heading back to their various pre-schools.

The Week of the Young Child activities was organised by the Early Childhood Services team - a new body established as a result of the holistic education reform programme outlined in the 'National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands'.

SIMS training continues....

Training continues for education officials in the new Schools Integrated Management System (SIMS) which is being rolled out in all our schools. As the roll out continues it will give all our education staff the necessary platform to make informed decisions about important factors which affect students.

SIMS will give us unprecedented access to the information and data we need to help students improve their performance, from tackling truancy or behaviour issues to creating personalized learning programmes. It will also save teachers valuable administrative time, which can then be better spent on educating students.

This training session is just one of an ongoing programme of SIMS professional development for staff to ensure a smooth introduction in our schools.

NCFA - Invitations for Sponsorship

Rather than a letter in an envelope, Executive Director of Special Projects and Events in the Ministry; Roberta Bostock, has sent invitations to become sponsors of the forthcoming National Festival of the Arts via letters hidden in the rather spectacular balloons shown above.

This will be a much more memorable way of receiving the sponsorship request and hopefully will encourage potential sponsors to support this annual festival highlighting students creative abilities. (GL)

Early Childhood Services continue to make a positive impact on settings!

Over the past several months Early Childhood Services has been busy providing direct support and training to early years settings in the Cayman Islands.

With over 150 teachers recently trained in “Creative Learning Environments for Babies and Preschoolers”, settings are now using the knowledge and support provided by the development officers to incorporate best practices in their settings. One setting recently built a new sand box with shade structure for children to use during outdoor play (shown in the picture above).

More and more settings are making improvements to their practice as the inpact of the Early Childhood Services team is increasingly felt.

The Early Childhood Services team was set up as part of the 'National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands' and a key part of the holistic transformation of the government education system. (RM/GL)

Head of Teaching and Learning appointed

The appointment of Mrs Caroline Dawes as the new Head of Teaching and Learning Services in the Department of Education Services was announced this week.

Caroline is well known throughout the education system in the Cayman Islands as a senior officer in the Educational Standards and Effectiveness Unit, previously known as the Schools' Inspectorate. She has an excellent reputation with staff and Principals throughout the country and many people have expressed real pleasure at her appointment. They believe that she really will make a difference in the standards of teaching and learning in our schools with her uncompromising commitment to achieving ever higher standards.

This crucial post was created as part of the new governance model for education, a key element of the transformation of the government education service outlined in the 'National Consensus on the future of education in the Cayman Islands'.

Caroline takes up her new post shortly. (GL)

Ministry blog visited by over 100 countries!

This Ministry of Education blog 'Building Caymans Future' reached a new milestone this week when our visitor tracking software recorded visits from even more new countries meaning that the total of countries that have visited the blog now exceeds 100.

This is really exciting news considering that the blog was started just a few months ago and tries to record the progress made during the education transformation process. It really proves the power of the internet for this kind of instant communication. (GL)

GTPS - another school blog goes live!

It is really exciting that another school blog has gone 'live' as more and more schools develop their own blogs. George Town Primary School is the latest school in the Cayman Islands to launch a blog site, and as always with GTPS they have started with real enthusiasm. This ties in with the Ministry's strategic approach to the effective development and support of ICT in all schools across the Cayman Islands.

Schools are beginning to use blogs in many ways, communicating with students, staff and the wider community, celebrating students' work, as a learning tool for students and as an online diary of the school year.

Importantly students are contributing to the blog, and by linking with other schools internationally, the blog becomes a real learning tool for students and staff. They are especially good for immediacy, impact, relevance and the instant recording of knowledge that is really appealing to students.

Considerable recognition must be given to Mr Mark Ray, Curriculum ICT Integration Specialist for his work in supporting schools develop the use of ICT within their schools - he has been just a great supporter of all our schools! (GL)

Helena McVeigh leaves the Education Standards and Assessment Unit

Helena McVeigh with the Minister of Education; Hon. Alden McLaughlin

Wednesday saw the departure of Mrs Helena McVeigh, Director of the Educational Standards and Assessment Unit (ESAU), formerly Chief Inspector of Schools in the Schools' Inspector. Helena has spent four years in the Cayman Islands, nearly all as Chief Inspector of Schools.

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Throughout this time she has led the Unit through massive change and focus developing what is recognised as the best organised Inspectorate in the Caribbean. Interestingly it was revealed that Dubai is creating a Schools' Inspectorate based on the Cayman Islands model - praise indeed.
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Tributes were given by many of those present including the Hon. Minister who recognised her considerable contribution to the 2005 Education Conference and the 'National Consensus on the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands'. He also went on to praise and thank her for leading the team that developed the new National Curriculum for the Cayman Islands, delivering it to him completed and on time - a considerable achievement. He also acknowledged her role in securing the Investor in People Award for ESAU - the first Unit throughout Government to achieve this award.

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Many people referred to her professionalism, her demand for excellence from her team and her commitment to improving schools at all times during her service in Cayman. Many references were also made about her role in supporting the Ministry and Education during Hurricane Ivan and during the aftermath.

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Highlights of the evening at the Grand Old House included dancers from George Town Primary School and a performance of 'Ivan' by Senior Officer Pachent Smythe which Helena apparently used to sing non stop after the Hurricane!

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Helena returns to the UK to pursue a series of education related opportunities and challenges. (GL)

Students from George Town Primary performiong a dance for Helena
Helena with Senior Officer Pachent Smythe (in costume) assisted by Mrs Carmen Levy, ( ESAU Budget and Finance Officer)
The farewell speech ...observed by ESAU Deputy Director; Mrs Mary Bowerman and the Minister of Education; Hon. Alden McLaughlin.....

Communicaton, consultation and feedback....

from l-r: Radio Cayman's Jay Erhart, Minister of Education; Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Chief Education Officer; Mrs Shirley Wahler, Chief Officer of the Ministry; Mrs Angela Martins

Communicating new strategies to the public is always a priority for the Minister. Today, as part of the ongoing process for communication, for public consultation and to receive feedback, the Hon. Minister and senior colleagues again appeared on the two plus hour Radio Cayman 'Talk Today' - a radio phone in programme to discuss the reform of secondary education. (See previous post).

This commitment to a variety of communication forms, including this blog, has won plaudits from a variety of people and institutions both in Cayman and around the world.

This was a very supportive programme with many compliments poured on the Minster, who also publicly thanked his senior team and all educators who were working on the transformation process. (GL)

Minister announces new framework for secondary education

from l-r: Chief Officer; Mrs Angela Martins, Leader of Government Business; Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, Minister for Education; Hon. Alden McLaughlin and Chief Education Officer; Mrs Shirley Wahler

The Minister of Education, Hon. Alden McLaughlin made a major statement today about the new structure for secondary education in the Cayman Islands during the regular Cabinet Media Briefing. The statement was broadcast live on radio and television. This is a critical part of the ongoing transformation of the education system in the Cayman Islands. Please find a copy of the full statement copied below. (GL)

Better Pathways, Brighter Futures

"Today I want to talk with you about the new outlook for secondary education in the Cayman Islands to which the Leader of Government Business just referred.

For two and a half years this government has sought to bring excellence to every aspect of Cayman’s education system. Our quest has required us to ensure absolute alignment at all levels of education and in doing so review and update the way we provide secondary education to our students – a process which has resulted in a new plan entitled:

Better Pathways, Brighter Futures

The new plan is founded on the same fundamental principles, which have informed many other parts of the ongoing transformation of Cayman’s education system.

Key among them is the belief that one size does not fit all students – that all students are individuals, with individual sets of skills and abilities, individual learning needs and individual interests. It is well-recognized in education fraternities around the world that students require personalized support to succeed.

You made it abundantly clear during our landmark 2005 national education conference that our system needed to cater more, not just to individuals, but to all individuals – not exclusively to a small group of top performers. To meet this need, the national consensus from that conference called for increased provisions for technical and vocational programming, enhanced offerings at tertiary level and smoother transitions into the workplace so that school-leavers can become - in much greater numbers than has been the case in the past - happy and productive contributors to our society. That national consensus embraced the basic principle that all children deserve a chance, regardless of their individual skills and abilities.

The new plan for secondary education – Better Pathways, Brighter Futures – reflects our commitment to these fundamental principles. It is so called because ultimately it offers students access to more options (pathways if you will) into further study and the world of work, strengthening their preparedness for future-building. More students will have access to more choices, which better suit their needs.

Under the current regime, students of secondary age in Grand Cayman attend George Hicks High School at middle school age, years 7 through 9. At this age they study a broad and balanced curriculum. They then go on to John Gray High School to study in years 10, 11 and 12. Year 10 is currently a foundation year, in which students settle in to the new school before deciding what subject options and exams to take in years 11 and 12.

Working in alignment with the implementation of our new national curriculum, ‘Better Pathways’ represents a restructuring of the framework for each academic year of study which will bring the Cayman Islands in line with international best-practices across the world.

With ‘Better Pathways’ students in Years 7 to 9 will continue to study a broad-based curriculum. Because Cayman’s new secondary campuses will be ‘all-through’ – years 7 to 11 - students will be able to take their options in years 10 and 11, as is the standard in nations around the world. These options will be based on their personal goals, aptitudes and interests under the guidance of their parents and teachers. During these years students will also continue to pursue and improve their skills in core areas, for example literacy and numeracy. The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to build a useful portfolio of qualifications in their chosen areas through the completion of formal assessments such as the Caribbean Examination Council’s CSEC examinations (commonly referred to as the CXCs) and other international relevant qualifications such as IGCSE.

In the spirit of personalized learning, all students in years 10 and 11 will also have the opportunity for personal counseling and assistance in order to develop an individualized career development plan which will help guide their work through the next stage of their education.
Whilst exams will be taken in year 11, it is also an important feature of the restructuring that students showing the requisite ability will be able to sit exams one year early if they so choose, in year 10. This staggered approach is already proving to be hugely successful in Cayman Brac High School and allows the school’s able students the capacity to sit more exams than would otherwise have been the case, increasing the range of qualifications they can expect to leave school with.

Beyond year 11, all students will be required to continue their education for a minimum of one (1) year, by choosing from a significantly enhanced range of subject options, catering for the full range of varied skills, competencies and interests which prevails among them. This is the critical stage for preparing students for entry into the workforce or further education and supports the principle of offering a personalized learning experience to students. These options will include:

· A strong academic programme based around the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or Advanced Placement examinations, which will provide an internationally recognized set of qualifications;
· Technical and vocational programmes aligned with the offerings of the University College of the Cayman Islands, which prepare students for entry into the workforce and also form a basis for more advanced professional studies;
· Opportunities for students to repeat or resit examination courses already taken in year 11, in order to improve their secondary qualification portfolio - providing students with a critical second chance to improve their performance;
· Supervised and guided work placement or apprenticeship programmes, leading to competency-based skills assessment and the achievement of work-based qualifications, and;
· A-level course programmes offered by local private schools with assistance from the government for Caymanian students.

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At this level, students will study for at least one year, or possibly two years, depending on their chosen pathway, as we aspire to engender a culture of lifelong learning. This will bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education, whilst also providing important links with the University College of the Cayman Islands, whose range of certificate, diploma and associates programmes will add further scope to the range of available options. During this time, students' progress will be monitored and assessed, and a range of support services will be provided to facilitate the transition to full-time employment, more advanced studies, or both.

This means that not only will students have access to a wider range of options to prepare them for a variety of career or further education paths, but also that students will leave the system with qualifications to perform in the workplace; answering long-held concerns that students leave our schools inadequately prepared for life beyond school.

Another key feature of the new structure is that it provides for the first time ever in the Cayman Islands, a safety net for students by giving them a critical second-chance to resit exams.

‘Better Pathways’ is planned to begin in 2009. This means that students currently in years 9 and 10 are presently choosing options. Going forward, this aligned structure is an integral component of the evolution of Cayman’s education system. It addresses the needs of all our children regardless of background, aptitude or ability, and builds in contingency for those who need and deserve a second chance. The new structure brings Cayman’s education system even further in line with best practices from around the world, yet brings education closer to home by catering to the varied individual needs of our very own students. The new plan offers a more varied range of options for students, many developed through strategic partnerships with entities outside our schools’ walls, and caters more effectively for the differing needs of students by supplementing traditional academic options with those of more specific social and economic relevance, such as Leisure and Tourism, Health and Social care or Automechanics.

.In summary, ‘Better Pathways, Brighter Futures’ is designed to give each young person in our education system the support and opportunities they need and deserve to achieve their highest potential."

Commonwealth Day celebrations...

Schools throughout Cayman celebrated Commonwealth Day this week in a wide variety of ways. Considering international relationships is a key part of our new curriculum encouraging our students to be come global citizens, whilst retaining their Caymanian identity. (GL)

National Education Conference: All about Cayman's educators

Educators from Cayman’s public primary and secondary schools joined with government education officials and private school representatives at Mary Miller Hall in Red Bay on Friday 29th February for the Cayman Islands 2008 National Educational Conference. This was the third annual gathering on a national scale since the precedent was set in 2005, during which time the current far-reaching transformation of Cayman’s education system was defined by the calls for urgent change from educators, employers, parents, students and representatives of other groups with a stake in the future of the islands. The 2008 conference, which was jointly hosted by the Education Ministry and Department of Education Services, was met with resounding approval from the 700 or so guests in attendance. Proceedings commenced with progress reports and a positioning statement from Education Minister, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, who told educators that the day was absolutely about them. Minister McLaughlin was followed by a high-energy presentation from renowned regional education figure, Elaine Foster-Allen, Principal of Shortwood Teachers’ College in Jamaica, who - judging by her audience’s responses - was as inspirational as she was entertaining. Educators then had the opportunity to attend a selection of workshops of their choosing from some 39 on offer, which covered a wide range of education-related subjects, each designed to support educators in their development. One of these was a session on ‘21st Century Education’ conducted by leading international authority on education, Professor Stephen Heppell, who has worked closely with the government throughout the transformation process. The workshops were supported by the vendor’s marketplace at which a diverse array of around 16 reputable local and international service providers to the education sector touted the latest in the goods and services which support the highest standards in teaching and learning. Feedback from educators on the day was very positive, many saying that the occasion had an international flavour and others saying that it was verification of the importance currently being placed on the professional development of educators within Cayman’s system. The Ministry welcomes more comments and feedback right here on this post, or by email to feedback@brighterfutures.gov.ky. LP.

Minister discusses the National Education Conference 2008

The Hon. Minister; Mr Alden McLaughlin appeared on 'Day Break' today to discuss Friday's National Education Conference. He was accompanied by key note speaker; Mrs Elaine Foster Allen, currently Principal of Shortwood Teachers College, Jamaica, and previously a Headteacher and HMI in the UK. The theme of the conference this year is 'Building Excellence Together' and focuses on the teacher - our most important resource.

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The structure of the conference is different this year consisting of numerous workshops considering aspects of teaching and learning. A key factor this year is that many of the presenters are from within our own education service. Additionally, for the first time, there will be a 'Market Place' of local and overseas vendors promoting a wide range of educational supplies.

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The conference starts with a Reception and preview of the Market Place this evening at Red Bay Primary School, with the National Conference starting at 8.30a.m. on Friday 29th February 2008. The opening events of the will be carried live by Radio Cayman and rebroadcast later next week.

Ministry Intern is finalist in Walkers Tse Literacy Prize

l-r: Ms Ingrid Pierce (Partner - Walkers), Mrs Mariko Jack, His Excellency Mr Stuart Jack, Helen Tse, Finalist (Leading Edge student and Ministry Intern) Appolina Bent, Mr Gareth Long.
Leading Edge student and Ministry Intern Appolina Bent was declared a finalist in the first ever Walkers Tse Literacy Competition last weekend.

With a staggering twelve hundred plus entries in this competition she did extremely well to be identified as one of the top five finalists and we all congratulate her. Her prize includes an autographed copy of Helen Tse's book and a master class on writing and the publishing process.

The overall winner was St Ignatius High school student; Brittany Borden. (GL)

Montserrat Chief Education Officer on study tour of the Cayman Islands

A student of George Town Primary School with Ms Greenaway and Principal; Ms Marie Martin

In conjunction with the Department of Education Services, we have been pleased to host a visit by the Chief Education Officer of Montserrat; Ms Kathleen Greenaway, as she undertakes a study tour of the education system of the Cayman Islands.

Ms Greenaway is specifically focusing on the many aspects of the education transformation process being undertaken in the Cayman Islands. She is also visiting a number of schools as well as attending the National Education Conference on Friday during her stay. (GL)

Students are excited by their new school!

Architect Maureen O'Shaughnessy points out aspects of the new school to George Town Primary students

The Hon. Minister addressed a meeting of George Town Primary School parents last week, along with the architects (CS&P) in the latest round of regular meetings. This was designed to keep all stakeholders involved in and excited by the design process of their new 21st century primary school.

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Especially rewarding was the real interest and excitement that parents and students expressed about the new designs and the benefits it would bring their school community. They were also able to see how previous discussions had been reflected in the latest version of the design plans. These are now at a critical stage and the local community should soon be able to see some preparatory work happening on the site.

Helen Tse, International Author, boosts literacy across the Cayman Islands

International author; Helen Tse, has really contributed to raising the profile of literacy and writing skills in schools across the Cayman Islands this year with the introduction of the Walkers Tse Literacy Prize.

Despite working locally full time as an attorney, Helen has spent hours visiting many schools talking about her book and the background to writing it. She, along with Walkers, have generously created the Walkers Tse Literacy prize with some fabulous literacy prizes, including working with Helen with the goal of writing their own books.

The response has been fantastic and amazingly there have been over one thousand entries for this competition. The winners will be announced tomorrow. (GL)

Click here for more on the Walkers Tse Literacy Prize

Learning Community - developing a team approach

The strategic decision to split the Cayman Islands into a series of 'Learning Communities' was undertaken to improve the support services to enhance student learning, support schools and reinforce the central belief that the student must be at the very centre of our entire education system.

What has also happened is the creation of a number of teams of professional colleagues with a variety of different skills designed to work together for the first time from what was previously a series of unconnected services, all focused on helping students achieve their potential.

The photograph above shows the "Western District' team including the Learning Community Leader (not shown), ICT technician, Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Health Therapist, Facilities Co-ordinator, Attendance Officer and Head of ICT Support Services. Whilst this is the first time that they have met as a team, everyone thought the meeting was incredibly useful and the start of real collaboration between a whole range of services - all designed to support students learning that actually talk to each other!. (GL)

Work starts on new playground...

The building of the new Beulah Smith secondary campus in West Bay will shortly impact on the infant playground at the John A Cumber Primary School. So, in preparation for this, work started Monday clearing land for a new infant playground which will, in fact, be better situated within the school campus.

There is considerable progress with the ongoing groundworks for the new campuses at Clifton Hunter in Frank Sound and Beulah Smith in West Bay. Groundworks at the John Gray Campus were completed a month ahead of schedule. (GL)

Government Primary School develops a blog of its own...

JACPS Principal; Mr Joe Wallace sharing the early stages of the school blog.

John A Cumber Primary School, a government school, is demonstrating its increasing use of technology by developing a very professional looking blog about the work that they are doing, and also specifically to follow the school link with China and the Beijing Olympics later this year.

Whilst the blog is still under development and therefore not yet 'live', its intended role is already being expanded by school management to become a really efficient tool for communicating to parents, the community and wider world. It will also be a fantastic record of what the school is doing - a virtual diary or scrapbook of school life.

The ease of 'blogging' will allow all staff to post their work and also allow students to be able to discuss their learning and post work that they are proud of. This is a great development for the whole school community and reflects the strategic focus for increasing use of ICT within the education system.

The blog address will be posted here as soon as it becomes 'live'. (GL)

Secondary teachers level with the the new curriculum

Secondary school teachers from John Gray High School, Cayman Brac High School, George Hicks Campus and the Alternate Education Centre all took part in a national exercise recently on assessment.More specifically, the group looked at criterion referenced testing in the form of levelling assessments.

This method of assessment measures students' work directly against the attainment targets in the national curriculum and assigns a level of attainment to the particular piece of work.While it was recognised that the teachers, arranged in subject groupings, would not all necessarily agree at the start of the moderation activity, by the end of the day, it was clear that two key objectives were achieved.The first was a better understanding of the curriculum documents and secondly, much needed discussion as subject groups on the issues that impact on the effective delivery of the curriculum.

While teachers continue to diligently work on doing the best for their students, this activity proved to be a useful one in further enhancing collegiality to facilitate sharing of best practices and ideas in activity setting and assessment using the national curriculum. (MR)

International Baccalaureate training for Primary Schools

All teachers and support staff from Government primary schools undertook training this week, as preparation towards the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB training supports the national focus on extending the range of teaching and learning styles in our schools to further raise standards of students achievement.

In an intensive two days staff were pleased with what they had gained and many felt they were in a strong position to incorporate new skills immediately into their work.

These two days were just one part of a extended development programme for all teachers as move towards achieving "Building Excellence Together", the new slogan for the Department of Education Services. (GL)

MInistry Stand draws great public attention

The Ministry has continued to work hard to ensure as many members of the community learn about all the developments taking place in education in the Cayman Islands. The Ministry 'stall' at the recent Agriculture Show attracted huge interest from members of the public who were keen not only to take the wide variety of literature available but also express their support for the many changes taking place.

We are making every effort to communicate the ongoing progress of the education transformation process throughout the country to try and involve everyone.

Learner Voice - Rigour and Relevance - Students talking to teachers about their preferred learning styles

Our high school students spent some time on Tuesday telling all the government high school teachers about school work that they had found rigourous and relevant. They also very clearly identified their preferred learning styles.

Clear messages included longer term work, collaborative work and work that they could help determine within set objectives. The increased use of technology was also clearly identified by a number of young people with one student requesting increased use of blue tooth technology. (One student noted that he sometimes even went back to the old ways and used books!)

Staff were genuinely impressed by the high levels of confidence and high aspirations of these young people, who represented every school and all abilities. Whilst several speakers had the audience roaring with laughter they also had some very serious messages for teachers about what made work relevant and rigourous for them.

Students also clearly articulated styles of learning that did not engage them or when their work was not valued - points effectively made with the added comment that too many of their lessons were like that.

Teachers clearly noted their comments and included them in the next session where they identified how their teaching could help develop the attributes identified for an 'educated Caymanian', as identified in the 'National Consensus for the Future of Education in the Cayman Islands'.

This is the first time that we have asked our students to talk to all our secondary teachers on this scale- a daunting task but one that they handled extremely competently.

The session was facilitiated by Theron Cosgrave and Steve Couver, associates of FNI, and is the start of professional development about the new paradigm for teaching and learning that we wish to introduce into our schools. (GL)

Students perform @ Art @ Governors

Students from the George Hicks Campus Music Department played their hearts out during the Art @ Governors show during the weekend. The opportunity for public performance adds greatly to students experiences and confidence in their music making. The music department here has a very good reputation - the standard of the public performance demonstrated just how good this group of talented young people are! Congratulations to all of them, and to their leaders Mrs Fran McConvey and Mr Mike Galvin. (GL)

Increasing public awareness of education transformation

The Ministry was well represented at 'Art@Governors' over the weekend on a display outlining the details of the education transformation process taking place. The level of interest was extremely high with scores of people taking all the literature available on the stand. Many noted how pleased they were with the comprehensive change that was taking place and thought that it was absolutley a priority for the country.

This level of interest was very encouraging. More opportunities to see this display are available this week at the Agricultural Show and the Chamber of Commernce preview on Tuesday. (GL)

Completed National Curriculum handed over to Hon. Minister

The Curriculum Development Steering Group hand over the new National Curriculum to the Hon. Minister. From l - r: Ms Favourita Blanchard, Mr Alan Hewitt, Chair of the Group; Mrs Helena McVeigh, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Mr Clive Baker, Ms Kiva Powell and Mr Herbert Crawford.

The New Cayman Islands national curriculum was officially handed over to the Hon Minister of Education, Alden McLaughlin, JP, late last week.

Noting that the formal handover marked the completion of Strategy two, as defined in the National Consensus on the Future of Education document, the Minister stated that he was particularly pleased that the curriculum review and development process was completed and delivered on time.

“The new curriculum is tailored specifically for the future economic and social needs of the Cayman Islands” he said “and is designed to ensure that regardless of level of ability, individual skills and aptitudes are maximized so that every young person is able to leave the education system qualified to be a useful and productive member of the workforce and consequently, to their society. This is a tangible demonstration that we are moving forward in the right direction towards providing the best education system possible for our young people, and I wholeheartedly congratulate and commend the dedication and professionalism of the educators and members of the community who contributed to the development of this significant piece of work.”

The call for an entirely new national curriculum came from educators and other stakeholders in education at the Islands first ever National Education Conference back in 2005, when Minister McLaughlin brought together more than 700 individuals to evaluate the existing education system and identify strategies for improvement.

Shortly thereafter, a steering committee headed by Mrs. Helena McVeigh, and comprising 15 representatives of pre-schools, public and private primary and secondary high schools, the education department, the Schools’ Inspectorate, UCCI and the Chamber of Commerce was convened to oversee and guide the developmental process through to completion.

“The new curriculum strongly reflects the culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands, said Mrs. McVeigh, “and also has a clear international perspective. In terms of quality, it matches the best in the world, yet it is completely student-centered, so that every child can be fully and actively involved in their own learning.”

“Instead of narrowly focusing on the content of what is taught” Mrs. McVeigh continued, “the new curriculum places much greater emphasis on actual student skills and abilities. Assessments and evaluations have also been revised so that what a student actually learns and achieves can be gauged more effectively. This will not only provide parents and teachers with a truer reflection of how each student is progressing, but allows for areas of weakness to be pinpointed and strengthened.”

In echoing the Minister’s words of thanks, Mrs. McVeigh added that “whilst I may have chaired the steering committee, the development of the new national curriculum has been a collaborative effort, enhanced by a tremendous amount of community participation, feedback and support. Consequently, I am very pleased with the end result and am satisfied that our students now have a world class curriculum to be proud of.” (GM)

New national policies for Gifted / Talented and Special Educational Needs launched

The newly formed Student Services Unit of the Department of Educational Services has launched a new national policy for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and a new Code of Practice for Special Education Needs. Whilst the SEN code replaces an earlier policy, this is the first time there has been a specific focus on GATE.

Both Codes provide services using a graduated three tiered approach. The emphasis is on providing early interventions rather then waiting for students to become disengaged with their learning.

Policies are only as good as their effective implementation however. The SEN Code is now fully implemented within the school system, and a careful programme of monitoring schools' compliance is scheduled to begin shortly.

The Gifted and Talented policy is already being piloted with students in Years 7 - 9 in both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, with full implementation across the country by September 2008.

The launch of these documents is a key priority of the Ministry in working to ensure that there is equity of provision for all students within the Government education service.

For further information please contact Mr Brent Holt, Head of Student Services in the Department of Education Services: (brent.holt@gov.ky) (GL/BH)

Early Childhood Services - Pre School students first ever inter island field trip

Students from Cayman Brac Daycare Centre undertook their first ever inter island field trip recently when they visited a variety of places on Grand Cayman, including the Butterfly Farm, Seven Mile Beach and Boatswains Beach, formerly the Turtle Farm.

Supported by Early Childhood Services and many private sector sponsors, students experienced many 'firsts', from holding butterflies, watching traditional rope making to observing sharks and turtles.

There has been a national focus by the quite newly formed Early Childhood Services team on setting standards and clear recommendations to guide the activities and curriculum of Early Childhood settings. This type of interactive field trip is a real example of good practice with all students really enjoying this fast paced day - even if they were tired at the end. There was plenty for them to talk about, share and act as the initiative for additional activities when they returned to the Daycare Centre.

The ongoing modelling of good practice is one of the most effective ways that Early Childhood Services are supporting the many establishments throughout the country as part of the overall transformation of the Cayman Islands education service. (KM/GL)

Students learn from the worlds best!

Trumpet masterclass at the George Hicks Campus with Rex Richardson, world renowned trumpet player.

Music students had the opportunity to work with some of the worlds best brass musicians last week when they attended masterclasses held by members of the Brass Band of Battle Creek. (BBBC)

The whole band, on Cayman for the National Heroes Day celebration, supported our advanced music students through workshops for over 200 young people as well as playing a mini concert for them. For many this was the opportunity of a lifetime to play at the very top international level.

One student, Megan Griffith noted, "It's great to get to play with musicians of such amazing ability and I can't wait to have this opportunity because they are awesopme! I feel very luck to have this chance."

During the Band performance on Heroes Day several music students also taped / filmed their whole extremely dynamic performance to act as further inspiration for the future. This is the second year that the BBBC have appeared in the Cayman Islands and worked with our students. (LP/GL)

CONGRATULATIONS - Hon. Minister named 'Person the the Year'

CONGRATULATIONS go to the Minister,Hon. Alden McLaughlin today for being named 'Person of the Year' by the Cayman Net News. This recognition was largely due to the extensive work being done to transform the national education system. (GL)

For full story click here

Professional Development team interview students and staff

(Students from the George Hicks Campus meet with Michelle Swanson and Theron Cosgrave)

Michelle Swanson and Theron Cosgrave (see story below - 22 January 2008) spent the day visiting high schools and interviewing students and staff about issues related to professional development as we move towards new styles of teaching and learning in all our schools. Staff and students had the chance to talk honestly about the exciting opportunities and issues they wished to discuss.

Visiting the George Hicks Campus and John Gray High School they spent hours discussing a whole range of issues, including asking students about their preferred learning styles and teachers about their teaching styles. The feedback received will contribute to the development of a professional development programme leading towards the most effective teaching will, in turn, be facilitated by the new learning environments. (GL)

Life long learning - University College opens on Cayman Brac

This week has been spectacularly important in extending opportunities for tertiary and life long learning on the small island of Cayman Brac. This week the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) opened a building dedicated to providing further and higher education and offering a whole range of courses never before locally available to Brac residents.

There is real enthusiasm for this new initiative, with reportedly over 300 people already signed up for courses. This is a real demonstration of the support towards life long learning which is a key commitment of the Ministry.

In addition, it has been combined with facilities for a Brac wing of the new Civil Service College which was opened in Grand Cayman a few months ago and will provide on going professional development for civil servants.(GL)

Professional Development team visit schools

From left to right: Michelle Swanson, Theron Cosgrave, Principal Vicky Frederick and Deputy Principal Allison Wallace with a number of Year 1 students from Red Bay Primary School.

Professional development specialists; Michelle Swanson and Theron Cosgrave, (Associates of Prakash Nair and FNI) are in Cayman this week visiting schools, talking to Principals, teachers and students. This visit is part of the preparatory work for working with teachers to help prepare them to most effectively use the new secondary learning environments being built as well as the new primary school.

They are visiting all high schools, AEC and a number of primary schools, prior to returning to Cayman for the National Education Conference in February to run a number of workshops with teachers.

Apart from a packed itinerary on Grand Cayman, they also visit Cayman Brac to talk with staff from Cayman Brac HIgh school. (GL)

Groundworks at new JGHS completed early

Leading Edge High School students Appolina Bent and Kerseanna Ewers standing on top of the pad that will home to the new Sports Hall of the new campus

The groundworks preparing the site of the new John Gray Campus have been completed a month early, leaving the way for building contractors (once appointed) to start work. The site is currently clear of construction equipment leaving a series of raised pads clearly indicating where the various buildings will be placed. (GL)

George Town Primary School planning continues apace

Much work still progresses on the new George Town Primary School, all be much of it behind the scenes, with countless meetings planning all the complex details necessary to build a new school. The photograph above shows architects and technical experts meeting last week to consider just some of issues regarding the service requirements. (GL)

Interns start at the Ministry

Two students from Leading Edge High School; Kerseanna Ewers and Appolina Bent started a three month internship at the Ministry of Education today. Working every Monday morning the 'Learning Through Internship' (LTI) programme is designed to expose Year 9 students to real work place environments and give them a genuine insight into the variety of posts available. It is also designed to ensure that students are fully aware of the expectations that employers have of employees, regarding dress, attitude and work ethics.

This is the second year of this innovative programme which last year was credited with helping a number of students really focus on their school work and plans for the future. (GL)

CUC supports schools

The already strong link between government schools and the private sector was demonstrated again yesterday.

At a Principals meeting yesterday CUC presented each primary school with a cheque for $500 to go towards new technology curriculum materials. CUC representatives; Caren Thompson and Lauren Bush presented the bundle of cheques to Chief Education Officer; Mrs Shirley Wahler. This contribution from the CUC employees fund was gratefully received. Mrs Wahler hoped that the resources being considered may also help increase students awareness and interest in technology and engineering - which may also benefit CUC again in the future with the potential recruitment of more local engineers.

CUC are strong supporters of education and recentlyalso presented John Gray High School with a cheque for $2,000 for new initiatives. (GL)

Education Law drafting continues

From left to right: Mrs Shirley Wahler, Chief Education Officer, Ms Amanda Brown, Head of NUT Legal and Professional Services. Mr Garteh Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education), Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Mrs Angela Martins, Chief Officer, Mr Graham Clayton Senior Solicitor NUT and Mr Vaighan Carter, Deputy Chief Officer

Mr Vaughan Carter, Ms Sarah Morgan, NUT Solicitor of Wales, with (partially hidden) Ms Amanda Brown and Chief Officer discuss a point of law

Apart from the successful 'Moving Young Minds' Conference last week, the Hon. Minister and senior team spent a considerable time over a number of days with the legal team drafting the new education law. Apart from maximising the use of the days spent in London there is a real commitment to getting the draft law and accompanying regulations out for consultation in the fairly near future.

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This new law is a vital component in the strategic development of the national education transformation process. An update of when this will be ready for consultation will be posted on the blog nearer the time.(GL)

Minister asked to perform double act!

The Minister, Hon. Alden McLaughlin pesenting, watched by the panel, (from l-r: Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor - Education, Mrs Shirley Wahler, Chief Education Officer, Mr Vaughan Carter, Deputy Chief Officer and Mrs Angela Martin, Chief Officer. Missing from picture: Professor Stephen Heppell)

Such was the interest in the Cayman Islands presentation about 'Transforming a nation with a 21st century education system' that the Hon.Minister and panel were asked to do the one and a hour hour session twice in 'back to back sessions.

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The annual 'Ministers Seminar on Technology in Education' attracted more Ministers than ever and followed a new format this year where just three Ministers and other educationalists were quizzed in depth on their presentations. The presentation covered all aspects of the education transformation process from the initial 2005 Education Conference, all the strategies, the implementation phase, through to the design philosophy and plans for our new schools. The whole presentation was supported by a complete slide show with photographs, video clips that illustrated all aspects of the talk, along with images of the new schools.

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The Hon. Alden McLaughlin and panel then underwent intense questioning and comments from Ministers and senior officials from numerous countries including the UK, Ireland, Iraq, Pakistan, New Zealand, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Anguilla, Malaysia, Oman, Eygpt and Gibraltar.

There has been unanimous praise for the sessions, with several delegates refering to this being the only session by someone at Ministerial level who had personally implemented change 'on the ground' and had real experience of the subject he was addressing. Interestingly there were delegates from a range of countries who referred to this blog and the fact that they had been following it, some for several months.

The interest in the Cayman story was huge and they were incredibly successful sessions. Whilst we had been told this by Professor Heppell who facilitated the sessions, the reaction from delegates certainly reaffirmed his comments. (GL)

Students Voice Heard Internationally

Dozens of Ministers of Education from around the world heard Year 10 JGHS student; Krista Samels quote her wish for the new schools being developed in the Cayman Islands as part of the presentation made by the Hon. Minister during the 'World Ministerial Seminar on Technology in Education'.

"My hope for the new school is to get the right amount of education so that I cannot only be noticed on the islands but also noticed world wide".

When she wrote those words she never did imagine that they would be the last words of the Ministers presentation. These few worlds, filmed on Seven Mile Beach, were very powerful and reinforced the message that students really are being placed in the centre of our education service as we move towards the future. (GL).

Education Transformation - the International Perspective

Minister, Hon. Alden McLaughlin (centre) talking to: M. Jean-Philippe Coutois, President of Microsoft International and Senior VP Microsoft Corporation (left) with Mr Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners
The 'Moving Young Minds' Conference this year, hosted by the UK Government, played host to over 60 Ministers accompanied by 180 senior officials from 72 countries representing 60% of the worlds population. These impressive figures reflect the biggest ever attendance at this unique seminar, properly called the "World Ministers Seminar of Technology in Education".

The first day saw 15 minute contributions several key note addresses, including from Mr Jim Knight MP Minister of State for Schools and Learners, DrAbdul Waheed Kan, Assistant Director General of UNESCO, John Davies, General Mananger,World Ahead (INTEL Coroporation) and M. Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International.

Several Ministers were given the opportunity to speak for just 15 minutes about education in their countires. Contributions were presented by Education Ministers from Sweden, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Turkey.

Later in the day the Hon. Minister will present the Cayman Islands Education Transformation story in the space of one and a half hours, not once as was predicted but, due to demand for space twice in 'back to back sessions'. A separate blog link will record this event. (GL)

Professional Development being redefined...

Photo: far left Mr Simon Clark and far right Mrs Patricia Clark, with Chief Officer; Mrs Angela Martins, Chief Education Officer; Mrs Shirley Wahler, Deputy Chief Officer; Mr Vaughan Carter, and mssing from photo: Mr Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education)

A particularly fruitful meeting took place in London on Sunday between senior Ministry staff with Ms Patricia Clark and Mr Simon Williams from the London Centre for Leadership in Learning who are no strangers to the Cayman Islands as they have each been involved with the NELP programme.

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The meeting focussed on addressing a variety of teachers needs, specifically seeking their advice about creating 'on island' professional development programmes that focus on helping develop our own capacity but also that could gain internationally recognised accreditation. This would be of much more value to teachers and could, in some cases, contribute to Masters and other qualifications.

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Whilst this work is at an exploratory stage it is a key priority of both the Ministry and Department of Education Services. Watch this space! (GL)

New Education Offices at Countryside

Top: Looking through the cafe area with the CEO and other senior staff are meeting, to the more formal and informal working areas

Above: Looking through the more formal work area complete with interactive white board and video conferencing through to the small meeting rooms

The new additional education offices at Countryside have caused a variety of comments from staff, ranging from people requesting if they can move into it, to those with some reservations about the flexible nature of the layout. This was very much as predicted as some people have to adapt working styles on moving into the new spaces.

Designed by Prakash Nair (FNI) the office very much reflects the new paradigm that we are moving to for our schools. Versatile, multifunctional spaces that allow for a variety of ways of working.

Staff based there are all peripatetic – they are almost all ‘on the road’ for the majority of their working time. Therefore giving them a full time dedicated office is not a cost efficient use of space. Everyone has their own secure storage and filing, but work spaces are shared, a desk they work at one day may be used by someone else next time they arrive, or may even be in a different configuration.

Some staff do have confidential phone calls and meetings – there are two small meeting rooms and a larger conference room, all bookable, for these purposes. Video conferencing can be done from both the conference room and the open area for larger groups.

The totally ‘wireless’ environment provides formal work areas with tables in a variety of groupings (but all moveable), informal meeting areas with sofas and easy chairs and a café area complete with open plan ‘kitchenette’ for working lunches etc. There is a move towards transparency in all working areas so people visiting can see people working when ever they arrive. The ofices and conference room are deliberatly designed with 'glass walls' to reinforce this philosophy. (Even in the older Education building, the majority of walled 'cubicles' have been taken down to reflect this view.

This working space is a trial for the Learning Community spaces within each of the new secondary campuses currently being built in Cayman. Judging by the increasing use that it is getting and the growing requests to book it, we are going in the right direction!

Moving Young Minds

The Minister; Hon. Alden McLaughlin recently appeared on breakfast television programme, 'Daybreak' with Strategic Development Advisor (Education); Gareth Long, to discuss the forthcoming international conference in the UK 'Moving Young Minds' (World Minsters Seminar on Technology in Education). At the conference he will lead a one and a half hour session on the education transformation process being undertaken in the Cayman Islands.

The conference is expected to attract over seventy Ministers of Education and Cayman is just one of two countries speaking on moving to create a 21st century education system. (see posts below).

The Ministry has been very careful to ensure that the presentation really reflects the work that has been done by so many members of the education service and wider community including (but not exclusively) on the new curriculum, on the use of ICT, the new governance model for education, planning for the new schools and the creation of the George Hicks Campus. (GL)

Ministry staff help the Crisis Centre

Rather then spending money on Christmas gifts for each other this year, staff at the Ministry decided to contribute towards helping families at the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. The response was overwhelming and we were delighted to hand over a significant number of food boxes and baskets to a representative from the Crisis Centre on Christmas Eve. (GL)
(Pictured above, Deputy Chief Officer; Mr Vaughan Carter hands over the Ministry donations to a Crisis Centre representative, surrounded by a variety of Ministry staff.)

Ministry prepares for major international conference

Ministry staff working on the education transformation process have been extremely focussed recently as they prepare for a major international conference in January. 'Moving Young Minds'- the Ministerial Seminar on Technology in Education, takes place in London and will be attended by several dozen Ministers of Education.

For the first time, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Minister for Education, has been asked to present a major session on the holistic approach to the transformation of education work that is underway in the Cayman Islands, which is attracting such incredible international attention.

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Part of this presentation session is a one hour question and answer session to the Hon. Minister supported by a panel of senior MInistry staff and facilitated by Professor Stephen Heppell. This long session will allow real in depth discussion of the work that has taken place in Cayman.

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The fact that the Minister has been asked to speak, at the only conference of its type in the world, reflects real international credibility and interest in our transformation process and is a really very important milestone in the history of the development of education in the Cayman Islands. (GL)

Merry Christmas to all our readers

Seasons Greetings to all those who read this Ministry blog. All of us at the Ministry of Education hope that you have a restful, enjoyable and safe vacation and wish you all the best for the New Year.

The education transformation journey that we are undertaking is amazing - and it is humbling to learn that the readership of this blog has now grown to 78 countries around the world. This is remarkable for the relatively short time that it has been "live". The journey continues though and will continue to be recorded on this blog next year. See you soon! (GL)

The site of the new secondary campuses rise from the ground

Passing the sites of the new secondary campuses lots of people have commented recently on how they can begin to see the actual layout of the new buildings literally rising from the ground. Those campus buildings which also act as hurricane shelters must be 12 feet above sea level, so as the groundworks continue.... the ground really is getting higher! (GL)
(Photo above of the new John Gray campus opposite the University College)

Gifted and Talented Programme - Students visit the Legislative Assembly

Gifted and Talented students from the George Hicks Campus visited the Legislative Assembly this week to watch legislators in action. Following an official welcome from the floor of the house by the Leader of Government Business, elected members were given a full description of the work being developed in this area.

A vital element of the system wide Special Needs Review held last year was highlighting the urgent need for a strategic approach to the issue of Gifted and Talented students in our schools.

As part of the new Department of Education Services, a Gifted and Talented post has been created and filled, working under Mr Brent Holt, Head of Student Services. A draft Gifted and Talented policy has been written for full consultation - this will be finalised early in the New Year. A new Gifted and Talented Programme (GATE) has been designed to develop abilities of outstanding students.

Students visiting the Legislative Assembly were the first group in the pilot programme and were chosen based on outstanding performance in literacy and numeracy tests. Additionally recommendations from teachers, counsellors and school leaders were taken into consideration

Having a full time person in the DoES devoted to this vital aspect of our education service has already made a significant impact to the work being undertaken although there is, of course, much more to do as policies get implemented throughout all our schools. (GL)

Press Coverage of this story.

Ministry Staff represent the Cayman Islands at International Conference on Inclusive Education

In preparation for the UNESCO International Conference on Education 2008, the Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer presented the Cayman Islands Country Report on Inclusive Education at the preparatory Caribbean Symposium in Kingston, Jamaica, between the 5 and 7th December 2007.

The Report, which identifies and explains the multi-faceted and inter-linked education reforms currently underway in the Cayman Islands, struck a chord both with the Symposium theme and the regional and international representatives present. In the past, the definition of "inclusive education" has been restricted to students with special needs. However, more recently, the definition has broadened towards the notion that children and young people should have equivalent learning opportunities regardless of their cultural and/or social backgrounds or differences in abilities and capacities. This is precisely the belief that has underscored the range of reforms in the Cayman Islands, which are simultaneously building towards the provision of a world class education for all. If inclusive education is to be truly meaningful, it must embrace each and every learner.

Recognising that this is undoubtedly complex, the Cayman Islands’ experience suggests that an entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum, combined with innovative ICT integration, the construction of agile learning environments and a commitment to professional development are certainly key ingredients. (VC)

Christmas Community Cheer

Carollers from George Town Primary School spent lunch time today singing carols to patients at the hospital and also outside Elmslie Church, to the delight of cruise ship passengers passing by. All schools are increasingly finding ways to give to and support the community. This annual carol singing by GTPS students is always popular and is itself now a tradition. Everyone enjoyed it and had fun - isn't that a key part of Christmas? (GL)

A good idea goes international as part of another original idea!

A simple but effective idea by Red Bay Primary School has attracted the attention of Stepping Stones School in the UK who have done lots of work with the Little Cayman Education Service this year. An image of Red Bay's cheery seasonal message using plastic cups pushed through their chain link fence now appears as an image on Stepping Stones "on line" Advent calendar - which is in itself a fantastic idea. This just demonstrates the ever developing international relationships that we are encouraging between schools using ICT and also the ease of sharing ideas between schools in different countries.

To see the Red Bay picture on the Stepping Stones "on line" Advent Calendar click on the link below and again on 9th December. (GL)http://www.steppingstones.org.uk/advent/2007/calendar.php

"My hope for the new high school is ........"

"My hope for the new high school is to get the right mix of education so that I can not only be noticed on the island but also be noticed worldwide"
Krista Samuels, Year 10 student at John Gray High School wrote these words recently ago when asked about her hope for the new schools. They really sum up student aspirations. Her words have featured not only in the Ministry "Putting you in the education picture" brochure but were also an important part of the recent public meetings chaired by the Minister as he updated all districts of Cayman about progress in the education transformation process.

Krista's words now go international as they are being used for a major international education conference in the UK in January where the video of her speaking will be played to numerous Ministers of Education during a presentation about the education transformation process in Cayman by the Minister.

The filming of Krista speaking her words took place today on Seven Mile Beach, allowing us the opportunity to also show another aspect of the Cayman Islands at the same time. (GL)

Strategic approach to the way forward by the newly expanded Educational Psychologist Team

l–r: Educational Psychologists Ms. Sophia Chandler, Ms. Lisa Jackson, Ms. Diane Schultz, Ms. Susie Bayles, and Ms. Sara Brown. (There is real hope for an appointment for a Cayman Brac based Educational Psychologist shortly.)
The Ministry acceptance of the Special Needs Review last year has resulted in a significant increase in the specialist support team this year. The greatly expanded Educational Psychologist team now take a strategic approach to the provision of services throughout the country and bring a wealth and breadth of experiences and perspectives with roots in the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Barbados, England, and the United States.

Led by Mr Brent Holt, Head of Student Services, the Educational Psychology staff now meet regularly in a series of scheduled strategy sessions targeted at achieving the united goal of "removing barriers to learning" for children in the Cayman Islands

The most recent meeting this week, held in their new “office base” at the newly-opened Countryside Learning Communities Office in Savannah, included vital topics such as: schedule coordination to ensure equitable service for all Cayman Islands' schools, uniform practice aligned with the newly released Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, and introduction to the Ministry of Education's child abuse prevention initiative recently endorsed by Hedge Funds Care Cayman.

Brent Holt noted that it was a pleasure to have such progressively-trained Educational Psychologists on staff. Rather than the outdated models of psychologists conducting formal assessments and attending meetings, this Educational Psychology group is foremost thinking "intervention, intervention, intervention"! The earlier we can start interventions in a child's school career, the less impact any barrier may present in future educational attainment. (BH/GL)

Economists monitor progress!

(Ms Christine Dawson and Mr Clarence Hinkson with Mr Gareth Long, Ministry of Education)

The Caribbean Development Bank’s Country Economists, Mr. Clarence Hinkson and Ms Christine Dawson visited the Ministry today to continue conducting an assessment of the performance of the economy during the year for inclusion in the Caribbean Development Bank’s Annual Report.

Meeting with Mr Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education), a number of issues were discussed including: the ongoing initiatives to enhance education system in the Cayman Islands, the Curriculum review, school enrollment and pupil-teacher ratios at September 2007 and progress on new schools construction.

They were extremely impressed with the work that had been undertaken, the breadth of the projects under way and the progress that had been made so far. This is just one of the many organisations watching our progress with considerable interest. (GL)

Increasing numbers of countries log onto this blog!

Over 1,200 people from 52 countries have looked at the Ministry of Education blog in the last calendar month. The power of the internet for ease of communication continues to amaze many people, the interest in our blog is increasing daily - literally! (GL)

Prakash Nair and Professor Stephen Heppell together

Future 'Learning Spaces' guru; Mr Prakash Nair revisited Grand Cayman for a couple of days this week to meet with architects and senior members of both the Ministry and Department of Education Services. Whilst here he joined Professor Heppell in a number of meetings and was deeply engaged in considering the concept designs moving into reality. He also played a major role in the real start of the ongoing innovative professional development plan that is in the process of being devised.

The impact of having both these internationally recognised experts in at the same time is huge and intellectually very stimulating for all education leaders involved. It is fair to say that it led to considerable very honest and constructive discussions through the week.(GL)

So much more than some pieces of cardboard!

GTPS Principal; Ms Marie Martin and Chief Education Officer; Mrs Shirley Wahler explore a concept model of the new GTPS

It might only be a few pieces of cardboard but it represents so much more- in fact what two of the future GTPS buildings will look like! There was great excitement this week as the planning for the new George Town Primary School got past the very innovative concept design stage with planners, architects and GTPS staff moving together towards a vision of what the new school will look like and how it would actually "work" as a learning environment.

A key feature of this whole process has been the constant contact, input and consultation from staff and education officials with architects Maureen O'Shaughnessy and Craig Goodman from CS&P- a real working relationship is being developed. There are no surprises in the development of this school - but there is creativity, innovation, excitement and crucially, ownership. (GL)

Early Childhood Services move into the DoES

Early Childhood Services staff, outside their new office. From l-r: Mrs Deanna Petersen, Mrs Marjorie Beckles, Head of ECS: Mrs Kate Marnoch, Ms Sara Sue Scott, Mrs April Tibbetts and Mr Richard Miller

One of the key components of the "National Consensus for the Future of Cayman in the Cayman Islands" was Strategy 3 which identified the need for the establishment of a unit dedicated to Early Childhood. In the intervening two years considerable progress has been made in this area with the creation of a fully staffed unit working incredibly hard to support early childhoood settings through the country. Their work has included considerable professional development, setting of standards, inspection of settings and working towards the creation of an Early Childhood Law. The work on this law will feed into the new Education Law to be presented early next year.

The Early Intervention Team has also been incorporated into Early Chidlhood Services which has ensured a "joined up" approach to providing high quality support for parents and early childhood settings. A commitment to equity has ensured Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have access to these services with the appointment of Mrs April Tibbetts as a joint Early Childhood and Early Intervention worker, working from the Learning Community Centre on Cayman Brac.

Critically, the move of Early Childhood Services staff in Grand Cayman into the the Department of Education Services building has helped provide a consistent and cohesive approach to education. (GL)

Professor Heppell at John Gray Campus Site Works

Professor Stephen Heppell was genuinely excited at the masssive progress being made on the groundworks at the John Gray Campus. He was so pleased at the significant progress that the picture above shows him taking a photograph for his own phone blog which is read by thousands, literally, round the world. He again repeated the considerable international interest in the education transformation project that we are undertaking. The world continues to watch! (GL)

Recruitment begins early!!

In line with the strategic plan for improving teacher recruitment, all aspects of recruitment have been streamlined enabling the whole process to be implemented much earlier than in previous years. Whilst last year advertisments for new teachers appeared in January with interviews in March, this year advertis have already appeared with interviews in January. This will allow us to attract a wider range of teachers.

Advertisements will be running from Friday 23 November and closing Monday 10 December 2007 in the following territories and publications:

For overseas recruitment we will be advertising in the following publications:

UK – Times Education Supplement (TES);
Jamaica – Gleaner;
Barbados – Nations News
Trinidad – Trinidad Express.

Locally, we will be advertising in the:
Cayman Nets News and Caymanian Compass


Job descriptions detailing the duties and skills required for each position and application forms are available online at www.brighterfutures.gov.ky/jobs or by visiting the Department of Education Services.Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an official Application Form, Resume and Covering Letter to:

Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer,
Department of Education Services,130 Thomas Russell Way, Room #5,PO Box 910,Grand Cayman, KY1-1103, CAYMAN ISLANDSFax: (345) 945 9244Email: recruitment@brightfutures.gov.ky (GDD/GL)

Minister tables Education Law Consultants' first report in the Legislative Assembly.

Pictured above: Ms Sarah Morgan, NUT Solicitor for Wales, Mr Graham Clayton, NUT Senior Solicitor and Ms Amanda Brown, Head of NUT Legal and Professional Services Department.

The Hon. Minister today laid the report from the Education Law consultants in the Legislative Assembly. This report is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders throughout the Cayman Islands over the past year, and is the precurser for a new draft law currently being developed. Whilst changes are outlined, these will be firmly "rooted in the traditions and culture of these islands, whilst also reflecting international best practice.

The review of the education law is a key part of the ongoing transformation of the education service, ensuring clarity, and a single united direction for education improvement.

The Hon. Minister also noted that the consultant team, with over fifty years bespoke education law experience, have undertaken this considerable work free of charge, except for expenses - "probably the best value for money legal advice I have encountered - it is indicative of how, world leaders and international authorities are keen to be involved in this exciting holistic education transformation".

The Hon. Minister noted that it was his intention to publish an Education Bill early in 2008 which "will secure systematic change, increase accountability and, at the same time liberate the teaching profession". (GL)

To read the Consultants' Report CLICK here.

Legislative Assembly: Education transformation update and a new role for the Schools' Inspectorate

The Hon. Minister: Hon. Alden McLaughlin yesteday updated the Legislative Assembly on the very positive progress being made in all aspects of the transformation of the education service. He mentioned specifically: the new roles for the Department of Education Services, the Early Childhood Services, progress on the National Curriculum, improvements in the provision for Special Education Needs, professional development oportunites and the focus on the integration of ICT throughout the system, both to support teaching and learning as well as administration.

In a second statement he issued notice that, following a review of the Schools' Inspectorate, their role and name is to change. The name will change to that of the "Education Standards and Assessment Unit" (ESAU). This will reflect some change in role and responsibilities. A full press statement reflecting this will be issued shortly, and attached to this blog entry. (GL)

Tenders out for the Building Packages for the Beulah Smith and Clifton Hunter Campuses.

The very rapid progress toward the construction of new schools has taken yet another major step forward as the Ministry has launched the tenders for the early building package, including all general construction services required, for the construction of both the new Beulah Smith Campus in West Bay and for the Clifton Hunter Campus in Frank Sound. The tender for the John Gray High School Campus has already been released. For full details about this tender package please visit the Ministry website, http://www.brighterfutures.gov.ky. Completed tenders are to be returned to the Chairman, Central Tenders Commitee no later than 10:00am on or before 19th December 2007. (GL)

Media praise Education transformation work

The media have followed the Minsters' numerous recent public meetings quite closely. These meetings were designed to update the public in all areas about the strides being made to transform the education service of the Cayman Islands. The independent "Cayman News Service", in their article published last week, noted the changes in relation to previous reports suggesting change as being urgently needed. It does praise the fact that at last- something is happening, and they go on to call it a "success story for this Government"!

For all those teachers and education officials working extremely hard on the very many elements of this education transformation process, to receive positive comments from time to time is a really great boost. It is also a reminder for us to ensure we remember the contribution that these people make on an ongoing basis. (GL)

"Hope for education at last": Click here to read this latest article.

National consistency in assessment

A key priorIty from the Ministry is CONSISTENCY across the country in all aspects of the new curriculum and most importantly in student assessment. This is now being directly approached for all staff. Teachers at all primary schools on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman participated in professional development sessions on assessment for the new National Curriculum using the method of levelling which compares students' work against the curriculum targets or levels.

Facilitated by Mr. Clive Baker and Ms. Favourita Blanchard who worked as Curriculum Development Officers for the National Curriculum, as well as officers of the Department of Education Services (DoES) and the teachers that sat on the various subject committees, the participants went through a series of practical exercises with actual students' work, comparing it against the various levels for Mathematics and English. The work was then assigned a level that indicated where the student was at with respect to their competency in the particular area. In the photos above, teachers on Cayman Brac unanimously agree that the student's work is at a Level 2; and in Grand Cayman, teachers go through the paces during their workshop. (MR/GL)

Preserving Caymanian heritage in education

There has been a real focus in the past two years that whatever we do we ensure that Caymanian heritage and culture is reflected. This focus is reflected in many decisions made including in the new National Curriculum and, for the new school