Robert Henry - Ian AllenWHEN Robert Henry started teaching at Dinthill Technical in 1982, he did not envision it would be so challenging.
Despite the challengesRobert, who teaches Agriculture Science at Dinthill Technical in Linstead, has enjoyed his time in the classroom.
"My years in the classroom have been 19 challenging years. The number of changes I have seen in administration and the number of students I have seen over that time has been challenging yet fulfilling. It's fulfilling to see the students you have taught come back after doing well. Some of the students I have taught now teach in my department," he told THE STAR.
The teacher who has taught agriculture for his entire career had this to say about students' responses to the subject.
"I think it has been good. For those coming in, there has been a move towards agriculture. We have never had a problem getting some of our best students to do agriculture," he explained.
While some schools use different teachers to teach the practical aspect of agriculture, Robert says he does not employ that method. "I supervise both practical and theory. The students get involved in all areas.
"Supervising the practical can be a problem if you are not organised. When I work with students I know my objectives and we work towards those objectives," he said.
Although the students are receptive to agriculture at Dinthill, Robert says not everybody agrees with it being a compulsory subject. "It's not all perfect, some students still see farming as derogatory especially when they have just entered the school and was socialised to think that. However, with the proper guidance they eventually come around," he told THE STAR.
"I would like to think that I am the reason some of the students I have taught now teach. For one to teach one must be a facilitator and someone who wants to make a positive impact and not just a disseminator of information," Mr. Henry said.
