THE EDITOR, Sir:
I have deliberately stayed away from the debate and programmes since news broke on grades awarded to secondary schools. Studies may be skewed to reflect what we want them to show. I have taught at the primary and secondary level for 26 years. I received my education at one of the top 10 performing schools. Since that time, all curricula have been revised. Teachers adapt to one and then change comes.
Teachers' colleges and the universities are not always familiar with the changes. Teacher attrition has been high. Student and teacher (sadly) indiscipline have been high. Teacher morale and parent interest have been low. Government funding for infrastructure, basic material and maintenance has been insufficient.
It follows, Dr. Minott, that Campion and Immaculate will always do well. They receive students with an average of over 90 per cent in GSAT. The parents display interest, because of the school where the child has been placed and extra lessons and your SATs, Dr. Minott, go a long way. Alumni take an active role in their school. and all is well.
Let us compare and contrast with a school (any school) that received a child with a 60-70 per cent average, placed in a school without laboratories etc. Parents are negative, indiscipline prevails and teachers are even fearful for their lives. The result cannot be the same.
I think in the last six years programmes such as New Horizon, the Revised Primary Curriculum, and R.O.S.E. are helping to improve the system. Let us not throw out what is working.
I am, etc.,
S. WILLIAMS
spicey_shar@hotmail.com
P.O. Box 35
Mona, Kingston 7
