Signs of life at Clifton Hunter campus
(CNS): Over a year after the general contractor walked off the school projects there are now finally signs of life on the Clifton Hunter High School site. According to government officials the site will be back to full capacity by February but around 90 tradesmen and supervisors are currently working on the site. Concrete work continues as roofers work on five of the school’s seven buildings and window installation is underway on three. Tom Jones International walked off the job in November 2009 over a $3million payment dispute with government. Since that time only limited work has been undertaken.
“It feels good to finally visualise some of the changes we have had to make, as the Ministry, Department of Education Services and school staff have continued to work on plans and preparations,” the minister Rolstin Anglin said on a recent visit to the site.“They will have a huge impact on teaching and learning. Given the challenges we’ve faced, I’m happy with the progress. It excites me that we’re talking about potentially occupying the site in September 2011.”
It is understood that the new minister has made changes to the original plans anddesigns of the school which were based on a modern concept of teaching and learning envisioned by the previous minister who had said past exam results demonstrated traditional teaching methods were not working in Cayman and saw the need for change. However, in a move to put his mark on the new high schools Anglin has made changes reverting back to a more traditional school model.
Although the sites have been idle for the most part since the departure of the general contractor the minster said some work had continued including the manufacture of the category-five windows and a large percentage of the mechanical and electrical works.
The suspension of the project saw a considerable number of local people laid off but with work now back on track Anglin said this was having a positive impact on the local construction industry. “It’s great to see and interact with the number of young Caymanians working on the site. Their employment is crucial to our economy. I’m especially happy for the smaller contractors who’ve won small-works projects,” “Anglin added.
Education Ministry Project Manager David Benoit said a total of 32 contracts have been awarded and another 15 tender packages are active. An additional 12 small contractors are supplying material and equipment to the site.
On completion, the Clifton Hunter High School will provide amenities including an indoor gymnasium, 25-metre pool, a performing arts building and a vocational and technical education building for some 750 students, organised into three academies. The school catchment area will be for students living east of Spotts Newlands Road.
Category: Local News
"It is understood that the new minister has made changes to the original plans and designs of the school which were based on a modern concept of teaching and learning envisioned by the previous minister who had said past exam results demonstrated traditional teaching methods were not working in Cayman and saw the need for change. However, in a move to put his mark on the new high schools Anglin has made changes reverting back to a more traditional school model."
Why would you do that?…. if traditional learning styles didn’t work before and engage the learners just why not go for a style that motivates students and engages them instead of just having them there sitting and listening?. Alden understood this and is the only politician who really worked to try and improve learning in the Cayman Islands – anyone who doubts this should look back at previous governments – some token talk – no action.
I fear it is more likely that most new senior people in the Ministry don’t really understand learning styles or think they know better than the international research….. Same old same old learning just does not work! Anyone with sense in Cayman knows this… why don’t those in charge know it as well?
I think the answer to your question is quite simple. Alden spend months/years consulting with teachers and educators on his "plan".
Do you believe that people who have given most of their lives to educating children would know more than Rolston, or any member of the UDP elite for that matter? Get real.
It is sad to see that this story has lost its interest in the public eye. Resignation seems to have overtake indignation. Another national interest down the drain. Very sad.