Clifton Hunter to open in March says minister

| 29/08/2011

(CNS): The education minister said last week that the first of the new government high schools will finally open in March 2012 in the middle of this school year. After years of controversy, contract disputes and political rhetoric the first of the state of the art schools envisioned by the previous minister will should be operational before Easter. Rolston Anglin said once the school has been completed, the ministry will liaise with teachers and parents to plan the move with minimum disruption to students. The Clifton Hunter is one of two new secondary schools that became a political football between the government and opposition the second is the new John Gray campus has since been put on hold.

At present pupils who will attend the new campus are already divided from those students attending John Gray High School and are currently using the George Hicks site which will eventually become a technical school.

Speaking at the orientation session for the new academic year on Friday Anglin outlined his ministry’s priorities. He updated the teachers on the $10million primary school project, which is already underway, and promised much-needed additions and upgrades. He did not mention whether money expected to come from Dartas part of the deal between the developer and government would replace or be in addition to the $10million set aside in the budget for the primary schools revamp.

Challenging teachers to do better,  and offering to continue the support in professional development  he said other strategic aims included a focus on literacy and numeracy, new graduation requirements, a national campaign that celebrates achievement, professional standards for teachers, targets for school achievement and a national strategy to gather education data that will track individual student progress.

The minister also pointed to “employability” which he said would come under the spotlight this year with plans to expand vocational education, strengthen career advice and implement a work readiness programme, Work Keys, in all high schools, the minister revealed.

Meanwhile, the latest new recruits into the teaching profession were taken on “Cultural Caravan” last week when the new teachers took in a tour of the museum, the National Gallery, Pedro St. James and the Nurse Josie Solomon Senior Centre, located beside the Mission House in the heart of Cayman’s first capital, Bodden Town.

The centre is a treasure trove of artefacts, photographs, arts and crafts as well as recreations and depictions that highlight Cayman’s heritage and heroes. The teachers also got to taste traditional Caymanian food and a chance to explore the grounds and examine native plants.

Spearheaded by the National Museum, the programme ensures that the 29 new teachers do not begin functioning in Cayman in a cultural vacuum. The minister said in order for educators to make meaningful contributions in “it is imperative for the teachers to get a good grasp of what makes us Caymanian.”
 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone know who to contact regarding teaching at this school?

  2. Anonymous says:

    Ready or not, we opening it… we need SOME good news about us these days!

  3. Teecha says:

    Right smack-dab in the middle of exam season, excellent news. At least now they have an excuse and re results will no longer be my fault.

  4. I Care says:

    The opening is just months before the World ends on 21/12/2012:) did anyone see the MOVIE??? . Well I am headed to China  in seasrch or the arks. I will find them long before this school opens I am sure.

    God Save the Queen ooPs@!# Premier LOL

  5. Anonymous says:

    I would say September 2012 is more realistic, but then we know Government likes to always act like they are actually in control and know what they are doing.

  6. Anonymous says:

    March is half way through the school year??????  I dont think so……whats the point in opening it for 3 months and then closing again for the summer????  Are we really going to pay people to come teach here for 3 months and pay them to be off for three more?????  Damn I knew I shud have been a teacher…..at least I can do the math that March isnt half way through the school year!!!!!  No wonder we've got problems…..just sayin.

    • Anonymous says:

      don't worry…march won't happen…..this gov has never achieved any deadline…..

  7. Anonymous says:

    Fancy new high schools are not going to work if the parents are not involved. Folks, get involved with your children’s education. Show up at parent-teacher consultations. Take an interest, for god sakes. School is not there to keep your kids off the streets. The teachers are not glorified babysitters, but professionals who spent years at university. Give them your support. You will be doing your kinds a favour in the long run.

    • Anonymous says:

      There are those of us who show up for the meetings and our kids behave and do all the right things but the new curriculum structure is not working for us. It also makes no sense to move the students and disrupt them in the middle of a crucial time. My child is in her exam year. I am very upset at the concept at the move in the middle of the year just to be in a new building

  8. Anonymous says:

    I wonder what the new teachers thought of the "cultural caravan"? It seems pretty desperate.

  9. Robin Hood says:

    Please,please open it before Cayman closes. I do hope that they will teach morals and ethics so members of our government can attend.