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Robotics headed to primary schools- Hon De Castro

The Robotics Program will be introduced at the primary school level in 2025 following its successes at the Virgin Islands’ secondary school. Pictured is the Josh Van Dyke Primary School. Photo: Andre Dawson aka 'Shadow'/Facebook/File
Minster for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. De Castro (AL) said by introducing the Robotics Program at the primary school level will plant the seeds of innovation giving students the chance to explore, tinker and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age. Photo: YouTube
Minster for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. De Castro (AL) said by introducing the Robotics Program at the primary school level will plant the seeds of innovation giving students the chance to explore, tinker and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age. Photo: YouTube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Robotics Programme is headed to primary school next school year.

That’s according to Minster for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. De Castro (AL), who revealed this during the Twentieth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, October 18, 2024.

At the start of the 2024/2025 school year, it was announced that the Ministry of Education will be reimagining education in the Virgin Islands (VI). As such, the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.E.A.M) programme has been introduced into the curriculum.  

Hon De Castro said, “As we reimagine education in the Virgin Islands it is essential that we equip our students with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the fast-evolving world of tomorrow.... The Ministry of Education has aggressively led this mandate, positioning the Virgin Islands as one of the few in the region to integrate coding and robotics into our curriculum.”

Robotics at primary 

Hon De Castro added that as the Ministry of Education looks to the future a commitment has been made to start these programs earlier.

“We recognise the need to spark curiosity and foster creativity at the youngest ages. That is why, Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that we will be expanding our robotics programme to primary schools next year,” she said.

The education minister explained that by introducing these concepts to the younger students, the seeds of innovation will be planting, giving students the chance to explore, tinker and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills from an early age.

“This early exposure will ensure that the next generation of Virgin Islanders grow up not just using technology, Madam Speaker, but creating it,” Hon De Castro stated.

8 Responses to “Robotics headed to primary schools- Hon De Castro ”

  • Robotics (21/10/2024, 11:58) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why not concentrate on simple reading, writing & arithmetic mastery of the basics upgrade your teaching staff’s abilities keep the schools supplied with proper facilities and open throughout the year, teach children to swim cross the road and attend church , then spot the achievers and encourage those few into more challenging activities.
  • hm (21/10/2024, 12:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    New World Order
  • Programmed (21/10/2024, 15:29) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Robotics heading to primary schools, said the robot.
  • NB (21/10/2024, 15:39) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    This right here is the problem with our system. Instead of improving the basics and build gradually, we want to dip our feet into big things, full speed ahead, unprepared and without proper resources. We want to run before we creep. I tired of this messon. Just tired of this. Where and who do we turn to for any kinda of help or guidance? It feels hopeless
  • How (21/10/2024, 16:32) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Teachers out here begging for pencils and paying for paper out of their own pocket and somehow the government has money for ROBOTICS? Come on now.
  • Blind the kids (21/10/2024, 17:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Robotize everything and everybody
  • yea (21/10/2024, 22:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't mind the youths getting something extra to do to Occupy them self. But I still think their should be a push for hands on subject that they can benefit from after graduating and coming back to the bvi for a job. Most youths study what they would like and come back to the government not having any job for their Field and private sector no so much either. So they are left working low wages or leaving the country again to either find better employment or spend money again to study to find specific job opening in bvi
  • x (21/10/2024, 23:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why Vino never use a photo of a school in the VI


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