Government officials broke ground on an extension to the Bodden Town Primary School that is aimed at helping to raise educational standards.
When completed in December, the 10,500-square-foot, two-storey building to the west of the school compound will add six classrooms with self contained bathrooms, a library and a new administration office to the school.
The building, which is being built by Project Manager Alan “Bonny” Myles of Myles Construction, assisted by subcontractors Peleme Caribbean, Advance Fire and Plumbing, Tropic Air, Wendel Construction and Hydes and Sons, costs $2.17 million.
Two decades ago, parents with children ages three and older were offered the opportunity to enrol students in reception classes at the primary schools. This was eventually cut because educators and government officials felt that children were not getting a strong educational foundation. Government then entered into agreements with some preschools for children to get the required skills through an early childhood programme.
According to Education Minister Rolston Anglin, the groundbreaking is the first step toward improving the primary school in an effort to reintroduce reception classes.
“For several years teachers and principals have spoken about the benefits of bringing reception classes into schools as it would help to ensure a higher standard of education for children ages 4 to 5,” said Principal Cetonya Cacho,
After compiling data on her Year 1 to determine whether the age of students entering Year 1 would affect their achievement and progress, Ms Cacho found that the classrooms were important.
She said students who made the most progress were those who attended preschools that had an educational focus – and were not just day-care centres – and had parents who were involved in Parent Teachers Associations.
A pilot programme was offered at the George Town Primary School. Based on the results, the Ministry decided to move ahead with the reintroduction of reception classes, as well as expansion of all primary schools on island.
The Bodden Town addition will offer classes to students who are at least four years old before heading into Year 1 at the primary level.
There is also a plan to expand the lunch room and hall at the school in the near future.
“The primary schools have a lot of needs and as everyone knows, the government is strapped for cash, but there are ways the government is trying to find private partners to assist with some of those needs,” said Bodden Town MLA Dwayne Seymour.
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