Cayman school campus designs set new benchmark for innovation

Over the past several months, schools and schools systems around the world that we are working with have heard and are learning from the inspiring Cayman Islands story. It is a story about educational transformation and not just about fancy new buildings. It is one of the first times anywhere in the world that a new building programme has been completely driven by a country's vision for its educational future. The designs themselves set a new watermark in defining the government's bold vision. Features include, 1) A fully personalized learning environment devoid of traditional classrooms; 2) A breakdown of the large scale of the campus into small learning communities of no more than 125 students each to encourage close interpersonal relationships, social and emotional development, team teaching, peer tutoring and project based learning; 3) Dedicated spaces for music and performance; 4) World class ICT services including ubiquitous access to mobile technologies; 4) The celebration of art and science at all levels of the campus from the design of the buildings themselves to the provision of "DaVinci Studios" in place of traditional art and science labs; 5) Extensive and intelligent use of outdoor learning opportunities including learning terraces, kitchen gardens, amphitheaters and outdoor play areas. These are only some of the many unique features of the new campuses. Watch this spot for frequent updates that will talk about the underlying educational vision for the campuses and how the Cayman Islands is setting a new world standard for educational excellence. Prakash Nair.

Private sector receives an update

Yesterday Hon. Alden McLaughlin delivered a progress update on all things education at a packed Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and by all accounts, it looks like he struck a chord with most. Whilst it was great to see that there was a lot of emphasis on the new curriculum and private sector involvement, it was also useful to be reminded of the wider perspective, and how all the various components of the transformation process harmonise to create an ‘orchestrated plan’. The Minister recognized that, by virtue of sheer scale, the new campuses are one of the most significant components of this particular symphony. The sobering images of the dilapidated school buildings and hutch-like classrooms currently in service seemed to resonate profoundly among the audience, as the Minister stated that whilst some detractors seem to condone the continued use of modulars and 40 years-old buildings to teach our kids, he most certainly does not. That stole a round of applause! LP.

The World is Watching!

Stephen Heppell talking at a conference this morning in Birmingham, UK, showing a live link to today's Cayman Net News very positive story about how the four new schools on George Hicks Campus are working effectively and, of course, influencing our new school designs.

This was being shown at 10.00 am in UK, still 4.00 am Caymanian time, so shared with the world BEFORE people were awake in Cayman! Oh, and there was a live link into the conference from Hong Kong (it was evening there)... In addition Stephen and Gareth Long, Strategic Development Advisor (Education) had been emailing interested parties in Scotland about this story and the creation of schools within a school from the train on the way to Birmingham.

Such is the connectedness of 21st century technology and yes, the world IS watching, excitedly.. SH

Professor Heppell: A view from outside

I can't tell you all how excited I am to see the bulldozer rolling (with the Minister driving!) and properly starting the construction of these extraordinary schools - after so much work, detail and planning. They matter for everyone on the "Cayman Campus" of course - we really are building a brighter future for the nation, but they matter in terms of the world too. I do believe in the power of Learning to transform - to innoculate children against poverty, to join up cultures peacefully, to build a better tomorrow. Now we have begun the construction I think we can take a moment to think of the impact these schools will have, with the world watching and copying them. I can't wait for the opening celebration of what we have all built together.

This Blog is such a wonderful way to keep up-to-date with the progress - please do join the world in watching it as the schools rise up from their foundations and all the many many tiny details that matter so much fall into place. SH.

Students get involved in groundbreaking.

It was really encouraging to see so many students get excited about the new facilities. The photograph above shows students from John Gray High School interviewing Mr Dave Smith, Director of Facilities (New construction) about many aspects of the building process.

The involvement of students in the new schools is vital and an essential part of the design process is to hear their thoughts concerning their learning and to keep them involved in both the design process and the building progress. As a result there have been a numer of presentations to students about the new campuses, from the initial design stage, right through to concept drawings, and initial designs. In addition, students are being briefed about the build process on an ongoing basis. GL.

Minister starts construction in style!

All the spectators at the dedication ceremonies for the three new Campuses were amused to watch the Hon. Minister drive a bulldozer at each site clearing some land. The message though was clear - no ceremonial gold shovels here - this was real work. The groundworks contract for all three sites has been awarded and contractors are due on all three sites in a few days to carry on what the Minister started. The construction of the new high schools has started! GL.

Dedication Ceremonies for three new Learning Campuses

Wednesday 19th September 2007 was a momentous occasion for education in the Cayman Islands with the Honourable Alden McLaughlin, MInister for Education, leading the real groundbreaking ceremonies for three new secondary campuses, due to be completed by September 2009.

Surrounded by H.E the Governor, Mr Stuart Jack, Cabinet, elected members, Ministry and education staff, Principals, students and many well wishers, construction bill boards were uncovered at each site.

The Campuses are : John Gray Campus in George Town, (unveiling with the Revd. John Gray's son; Mr John Gray, Head of Science at the current school); the Beulah Smith Campus in West Bay, (unveiling with Ms Tweetsie Kelly - neice of Ms. Beulah Smith) and the Clifton Hunter School in Frank Sound (unveiling with Mr Arthur Hunter, Mr. George Hunter (sons of Mr. Clifton Hunter) and Mr Bryan Hunter (Grandson of Mr. Clifton Hunter)).

Minister breaks 'virtual' ground

Anyone who has been following the work of the Cayman Islands Education Ministry over the past two years knows that we are always looking for new ways to improve what we do and how we serve the people of our islands. We've been online for a while but we needed a more efficient way, not just of communicating whats going on in education, but also documenting history in the making. This is it! 'Building Cayman's Future' is our first blog, dedicated to the construction of Cayman's new campuses, three secondary and George Town primary. Look out also for future blogs which will deal with other areas of the Ministry's agenda. Last week we dedicated the three secondary sites in, what was for me, a profoundly satisfying and long-awaited occasion. Today, I break 'virtual' ground, and mark the start of our new blog for the construction of the campuses. Now we are truly on our way, I hope you will join us on a very special journey, as we in the Cayman Islands pioneer the design and build of learning environments for the future. Hon. Alden McLaughlin.