THE Ministry of Education’s National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign continues to make significant strides, focusing on improving student performance in Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.

Targeting 50 schools with historically low pass rates in Mathematics, the intervention programme includes a range of support strategies for students and teachers.

To date, visits have been conducted at several schools, including Charity Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Joanna Cecilia Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Covent Garden Secondary, North Georgetown Secondary, Tutorial High, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Friendship Secondary, and Cummings Lodge Secondary. These schools were strategically selected due to their critical need for support, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to addressing educational disparities and improving outcomes.

The programme provides students in Grades 10 and 11 with essential resources, such as past paper booklets, scientific calculators, geometry sets, and graph books, alongside tailored teacher support through Math Monitors. These monitors visit schools regularly to assist both students and teachers, ensuring the implementation of best practices and identifying areas for improvement.

Senior Education Officer, Colwyn Delph, during his opening remarks, emphasised the ministry’s collaborative approach, stating:
“The Ministry of Education would’ve been able to sit with stakeholders, and today is a simple example of the same. We are cognisant that we cannot do this alone. We need the support of our parents, our teachers, and our communities. The Honourable Minister of Education, along with her team, has comprehensively planned to identify the issues affecting students’ performance in Mathematics.”

Mr. Delph highlighted the significance of the 50 selected schools, noting their potential for improvement.
“We recognise that with a little more help, students can achieve Grades Threes, Twos, and even Ones. The Math Monitor provides support to teachers and students, and the Ministry has ensured each student has access to necessary resources to succeed.”

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary Education), Sherwyn Blackman, reiterated the importance of parental investment and student effort.

“Each parent today, you have invested in your child. What they expect in return is not money but that you complete school, pursue a career or further studies, and improve your home circumstances. This National Math Intervention is our way of supporting that investment.”

He further underscored the ministry’s dedication to ensuring every child’s success.

“It is very important that every child matriculates with at least five subjects, including Mathematics and English, Grades One to Three. That’s the investment we’re putting in for our students and their future.”

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Tiffany Harvey, addressed the importance of discipline and mindset for success.

“Parents, please encourage your child to be disciplined. This morning is meant to bring us to a place where we understand that the Ministry of Education, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has provided all the necessary resources. Why we’re here isn’t just to talk, but to say these children are this nation’s future. We have to act now, so by August 2025, we’ll be celebrating their success.”

The ministry’s campaign is not just about boosting pass rates but fostering critical thinking and analytical skills vital for personal and national development. The collaborative efforts of parents, teachers and the ministry aim to create a robust foundation for every student, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in school and beyond. (MoE)