by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) – All government educational institutions including, early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools will have a two-day midterm break, from Thursday, May 20 to Friday, May 21.
Minister with responsibility for education, Jonell Powell made the announcement on Friday, May 14, after he explained why the decision was made.
“We are very much aware of the demands placed on our teachers and employees in the early childhood centers, primary and secondary schools especially during this year as we grapple you with challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our officers in these facilities have gone beyond their customary call of duty and we would like to ensure that they would not be burnt out,” he explained.
Powell went on to point out a change to the national assessment for students transitioning from primary to secondary institutions.
“There will be no Test of Standards for the primary schools this year. All primary schools will be responsible for the development and implementation of their End of Year Assessment under the guidance and support of the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU).”
According to a release from the Education Media Unit, the same method of placement used for students transitioning from primary to secondary schools last year would be used for the placement of children who will enter high school in the 2021-2022 school year.
“The approach that will be used will involve the review [of a student’s] academic record for grade five and the existing grade six record for the current school year. In addition to this, there will be a process of consultation between grade six teachers and secondary schools to allow for the complete review of students’ performance” Powell explained.
