THE structure of education in Guyana is changing rapidly as government continues to build a robust education system countrywide. One example of this is the opening of the St George’s School of Sciences in Georgetown, which represents a pioneering initiative, serving as a dedicated pathway for students with a keen interest in the medical sciences specifically.

The Ministry of Education on Sunday provided an update on this advanced institution of learning which was built after a devastating fire destroyed the original building in 2022.

The new school is a modern facility, designed to inspire innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning.

Headmaster Kevin Williamson in a video posted on the ministry’s Facebook page related that this is a new, fun experience.

“I can say it’s fun. It’s a new environment, getting to know the staff, because as you know, most of the staff came from different schools. So, there’s no three persons from the same institution,” he said.

The headmaster noted that his task at this point is to build a team that can work and transform the students. “We already have the content. It’s a new curriculum we’re working with. One that is new, not just to this school, but also new to Guyana as I would say.”

The curriculum is aligned with the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) content which aims to provide certification for all students who complete secondary school in any participating territory.

Williamson said that he envisions that when students leave that institution, they are able to fit smoothly into society and into the expected goal: a science/medical field.

He pointed out that while many may question why use children from Grade Seven (Form One) in such a programme, he believes that if trained correctly, children can fit into that field seamlessly.

The school is equipped with modern technology, as well as competent teachers and the tools essential to learning.

One of the students, Carlisa Williams opined that the school is a “nice” one for young doctors and medical students, and scientists. She stated that this far, she has found the work much easier than what was taught in primary school.

“I think that if you want to become a scientist or if you want to be in the medical field, you should come to this school,” she said, adding that her experience has been great over the past four weeks.

Carlisa would like to be a veterinarian one day so that she can help sick animals to feel better.

The St. George’s School of Sciences is Guyana’s very first specialised school for students who did not get the national tops or List A schools, but who it is believed possess great potential.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand had said that this outcome will be shown in five years.

Detailing the eligibility criteria, she had said: “For a student to be eligible for this school, he/she must have been living in Georgetown, not earned a place in a List A school, and gained 80 per cent in English, 60 per cent in Mathematics, 65 per cent in Science, or at least those grades.”