Ministry of Education’s Primary Schools Agricultural Science Teachers Workshop
The Ministry of Education held its first Primary Schools Agricultural workshop on Tuesday 30th January. This forum, under the theme “Growing Greatness” was hosted by Mrs. Nicolette Francis, Agricultural Science Education officer (Ag).
The objectives of the meeting were:
- Introductions of the newly appointed education officer and all participants present
- Familiarize the teachers to the MOE mandate in regards to Agricultural Science
- Deliberate on the SWOT Analysis
- Create the Mission & Vision Statements
- Primary School Curriculum & Textbooks
- Introduction of the Agricultural science Logo
- Launch of Interschool Garden Competition
- Agro Expo
- Concerns/Challenges
Mrs. Francis introduced herself and explained that she was the Head of Department (HOD) for Agriculture Science at the Clare Hall Secondary School prior to her promotion. Before extending invitations to the teachers to present, she thanked them for the work that they were doing and encouraged them to express why and how they got involved in the science in addition in sharing their names and their schools. Some of the educators admitted that they grew up on farms and knew the importance of the subject while others explained that they were thrown into it, however, the COVID Pandemic happened and that made them appreciate Agricultural Science.
Present were:
Zone 2
Pares Primary Odecia A. Dennis
Nelvie Gore (Willikies) Primary Gayle Fontaine-Richards
Zone 3
Bendals Primary Sara-Lee Faustin
Buckleys Primary Rhonda Gage
Freemans Ville Primary Laurette Quinland-Thomas
T. Ambrose Primary Chinoir Tjah
Sea View Farm Primary Laurette Quinland-Thomas
Zone 4
T. N. Kirnon Cynthia Yearwood-Harrigan
Villa Primary Shakima Deazle
SWOT Analysis
Mrs. Francs reported on the MOE Agricultural Science programme’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). She further outlined it was extracted from information she got from the Educators Empowerment workshop held on 29th – 30th August 2023 and felt that most if not all present could also identify with these findings. The primary teachers concurred with these findings and added a few more in at least two areas. In her closing statement on this topic Mrs. Francis assured these educators that the Ministry of Education (MOE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and teachers will be pursuing solutions for these weaknesses and threats, in addition to continue seeking opportunities to further development of the Schools Agriculture Science Programme.
Other areas that benefitted from this forum were the initiating of the creations of both the Mission and Vision statements for Agricultural Science School programmes. The teachers were encouraged and made tangible contributions in this regard.
Curriculum
Teachers were motivated to impart quality curriculum content to students by collaborating with other primary school agricultural science teachers. The revision of the curriculum is a work in process and topics such as Record Keeping will be infused.
Agricultural science Logo
The logo was created for the upcoming activities/events and for unveiled to the primary school teachers. Mrs. Francis delight it met the teachers’ approval.
Inter-School Garden Competition & Agro Expo
Pertinent information regarding these events were exchanged and the educators were in full support of the upcoming events.
Other challenges and concerns were discussed to which the teachers received sound advices, recommendations and instructions on possible solutions. Mrs. Francis reiterated that working together would foster the means of mitigation for the avoidance of the undesirables and enhance the science.
“I believe that the Agricultural Science Department has the potential to contribute towards Food Security by motivating teachers to share their passion with our students”, Mrs. Francis said. The teachers all expressed they gratitude for the timeliness of the workshop and thanked Mrs. Francis for the commitment, support and motivation she had imparted and impressed upon them.
