‘Sixth Form was rushed’- Sharie B. Y. de Castro
She was today, June 22, 2016 speaking on the Morning Ride Show on ZROD 103.7 FM with Paul ‘Gadiethz’ Peart.
6th Form ‘rushed’- de Castro
When asked about her views on the very unpopular idea of the Sixth Form being dictated by Minister Walwyn and which has seen strong opposition from parents, teachers, students and education officials, Ms de Castro, an educator herself who specialises in issues of literacy, said “unfortunately the Sixth Form was rushed…it was never thought through properly.”
She said education should be about the betterment of the child and that it would have been better to consider the additional form at the primary level since that is where one can better mold the students and ensure they are better prepared for High School.
Ms de Castro, a former High School teacher who runs her own educational business, said “parents of today are not like those of back in the days or else all parents would have come together and fight for what is right for their children and the education system.”
A female called into the ZROD 103.7 FM show to also lend support to Ms de Castro, saying that “the additional year would have been better placed in the primary schools.”
Education system failed under Hon Walwyn?
Ms de Castro also stated that the education system has failed, however, she was not about “just bashing but finding solutions as there are some positive things that came out of our education system.” She said she is a proud product of the Virgin Islands' educational system, however, one of the challenges is the issue of literacy and when she looks at the Elmore Stoutt High School, for example, and all the fights, it all leads back to some fundamental skills that most of the students lack- “reading and writing.”
The former school teacher told the radio show listeners that “students are afraid and somewhat embarrassed to read aloud in a classroom [that] they would do anything to get out of the class, if they are asked to read aloud.”
Political future
When asked if she would run again for public office, Ms de Castro answered “yes” but noted that her business to promote literacy is a movement and warned residents “not to be only about party politics or have blind allegiance but put country first.” The educator, who is also a poet, said she had noted that a lot of people who are following the politicians- the grass roots- are not “getting ahead” while the politicians are doing well, she said. “We should be aligned with country and issues.”
Walwyn bad for education
Minister for Education and Culture Hon Walwyn has come under fire for his inability to listen and what many has described as the confusion in the education system since he became the Minister.
He wasted $1M on a small wall around the ESHS just before the snap election while most schools did not have basic items like water, toilet paper and teaching tools.
The public does not support the Sixth Form at the High School level and the Minister has refused to listen to their cries.
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43 Responses to “‘Sixth Form was rushed’- Sharie B. Y. de Castro”
Ms de Castro you have just gotten yourself 4 out of 4 STARS. For that- you have won the “Bright Future Teachers’ AWARD.” Thank you and others like you who truly “innerstand” where the focus of the work should be concentrated in our children’s education. A NEW Direction is desperately needed, NOW! If not, this same challenge will undoubtedly be readdressed further down the road. MORE TIME AND MONEY WASTED.
Walwyn goes to the HOA, saying that RTW will "see man from boy" if they sell their business to a foreign company; yet he sold his own company to outsiders with much higher legal fees than before. This man is neither believable or trustworthy.
Much of the flaws you speak of in our education process have been the situation for a very long time, and are the same things that the minister is trying to correct. I can't have a meaningful discussion with you if you think that enhancing legislation and regulations for early childhood education; bridging the gap between grades (K123456789,10,11, 12); making an internationally accepted standard (CXC curriculum based K-12) our standard; creating the frame work for a junior high school; training principals for better school management; and training teachers to improve classroom management and instruction is nonsense. Especially since you offer no suggestions-for-improvement to be debated. I don't know how you concluded I have blind allegiance by presenting the facts. Could it be you have blind opposition?
All we needed to do was strengthen our Caribbean -style education but no, some American - trained educator thinks otherwise and everybody following blindly. .
Don't be fooled by the fancy talk. The reality on the ground is the complete opposite.
And since you mentioned that our program is in line with CXC, which other Caribbean country is allowing their children to write CSEC in grade 12 and which other Caribbean country is confusing the children with this so called credit system ? And isn't it a fact that grade 12 is an optional grade for other Caribbean countries?
And isn't it a fact that all children in the rest of the Caribbean graduate in grade 11 and then they go on to Six Form or a Community College if they want to pursue CAPE ?
Come on my good friend, be true to yourself and stop fighting so hard to convince us and yourself that we are going about this the right way. You know, it was not properly thought out and what about the OECS study that had recommended that the additional year be placed at the primary level ?
To Observer, I agree with you 100%; this CIU seems to be pushing this agenda like it’s a do or die stake on their behave. For CIU- give it up, reassess the plan, engage all stakeholders involved, readjust, re-launch, and move on. My other comment was also directed at CIU.