Den Amstel Primary is pilot for literacy/Robotics programme

The Den Amstel Primary School 

The Education Ministry in collaboration with the National Literacy Department and National Center for Education Research (NCRED), launched its literature and Robotics Programme Monday at the Den Amstel Primary School, West Coast Demerara.

With this program, students of Den Amstel Primary will now have the ability and tools to learn at an advanced rate in literature. That Primary School, it was noted, is among a number of schools within the country where students are a bit behind with reading.

Melicia Murray, head teacher of the school regarded the move to involve her school as one that is tremendous and one which will not only benefit the students of her school but Region 3 as a collective. “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world,” she told the gathering.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand in her remarks noted the program will last for six weeks and includes phonics, reading, and other learning techniques all aimed at boosting the students’ reading skills.

She explained that the classes will commence after regular school hours and during that period, the focus will be on strictly on reading.

Education Minister Manickchand flanked by education and regional officials

According to Minister Manickchand, the classes at that school will be targeting Grades One to Five. The students in Grade Six will not be targeted as they are currently preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment Examination.

Parents of students were encouraged to assist teachers in the process so that the children can have the courage to improve on their literacy skills. According to Manickchand, notwithstanding the difficulty with the students and their reading ability, she has been able to discern the potential the school has which has resulted in her visit today being her third.

It was at the launching of the program that the small gathering was told of a literature test that was done at the school which showed 40% out of 60% of the students were unable to pass. Consequently, the findings were brought to the Education Ministry’s attention which prompted the literature program being launched there.

The school will also benefit from robotics classes, one of the more fun ways of interfacing with technology.