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Education Minister supports Sixth Form for secondary schools!

- Says it will boost students’ efficiency in workforce
Hon. Walywn believes that Sixth Form will be advantageous for students. Photo: VINO
Hon. Walwyn at the meeting held last evening. Photo: VINO
Hon. Walwyn at the meeting held last evening. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Implementing a Sixth form level in the Territory’s secondary schools is an initiative the Education Minister is in full support of since it will “more efficiently” prepare students for the work force.

Hon. Myron Walwyn, who is also responsible for Culture and Sports, made this disclosure last evening May 8, 2012, at the East End/Long Look Community Centre in response to a question posed by a resident. The meeting was hosted by 8th District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn - his first following the November 7, 2011 General Election.

But while he supports the idea, the Education Minister admitted that he could not give residents anymore details because it needs to be “fully thought out”.

According to the Minister, having an additional year/form would mean having additional classrooms and teachers, among others.

Furthermore, Hon. Walwyn pointed out that if residents Google they would see that the United Kingdom has a Sixth Form system, and is making it mandatory for the school leaving age to be 18.

“...that is for a number of reasons. The biggest one is the issue of unemployment, where students are coming out of school too quickly and can’t find jobs,” he explained.

In the Virgin Islands (VI), the feedback from the businesses, the Education Minister revealed, is that many of the students that are coming out are not ready for the world of work, especially when many leave school as early as 16 years old.

Therefore, introducing Sixth Form into the education system “is something that we would have to look at,” Hon. Walwyn added.

However, he assured residents that when all the kinks are ironed out, the public’s input will be sought before going forward since “it would have serious implications.”

Interestingly, a committee was formed by Hon. Walwyn to review the secondary school leaving assessments, and one if its recommendations was to have a Sixth Form.

44 Responses to “Education Minister supports Sixth Form for secondary schools!”

  • school children (09/05/2012, 08:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we heard this years ago
    • she the cat mother (09/05/2012, 10:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is this Minsiter for real?????? is he telling we that the children here are slower than those in the other Caribbean islands without a six form???? This guy crazy dem should have given Dolris or Malone this Ministry.
      • Jealous!! (09/05/2012, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        YOu sound like a VIP supporter! A jealous person. Big up Minister it is needed cus the children here lack a LOT of skills, fisrt they need to improve on that English, which is atrocious!
        • Village Girl (09/05/2012, 10:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          what about the Primery schools does this mean we will have to add aonther class there too? Will my son have to stay back for another year? He needs to think it through
        • she the cat mother (09/05/2012, 11:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          To jealous; sorry you have the wrong person I 68 retired and doing well outside of artrigtish myron means well but should listen sometimes to we older heads that's all.
          • persia (09/05/2012, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            I had to laugh reading some of these comments...Why are people getting the bowels over Myron comments???? come on this is just the NDP and their empty chatter
          • friend (10/05/2012, 08:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            jealious of what? for Jahovour sake!
        • Seriously (18/02/2014, 19:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          no matter what our language will be the same even if there is a sixth form
      • HELP HELP HELP (09/05/2012, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        well I give Myron credit for havng ideas...
        • ccc (10/05/2012, 04:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          But in all due respect ideas should be rational and practical and not from left field!
      • Simple Simon (09/05/2012, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        They may not be slower, but the other islands do not graduate their students because they get a pass on a School Leaving exam set by their Education Dept. The requirement is 5 CXC passes at the General level including Math and English, plus other requirements. Many of these students complete high school with 9 and 10 CXC subjects. Compare that to the BVI.
      • yea (10/05/2012, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        he is not crazy. he helping the children to get more education, then people coming out school 16 years and they dont get job and they will start robbing people. to work in a business, you have to be 18 and older.
    • NDP rocks (09/05/2012, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well under the NDP it will happen ya'll
  • Release (09/05/2012, 08:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So because the UK kingdom has ah six form it means the BVI sould have one??? This poor child has no ideas of his own!!! Waste of 9 months
    • Iron Lion (09/05/2012, 09:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He never said that jacka***. lol you all love grasping for straws especially when it cum to poor myron. the students are struggling at college having to do over classes because diploma isnt recognized. get with the program boss, this is for the youth. not because you dumb we want all the youth to follow your lead. its a good thing. who dont like it can take their child out after 5th form simple. everybody always saying government need to do this and that and when they put things forward is a damn problem. if Andrew said this he would have 20comments on here from the same people praising him like Ghandi.
      • Island Girl (09/05/2012, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I think that you hit the nail on the head but we need to be a little more realistic. The government also needs to introduce a junior high. Right now the Elmore Stoutt High School houses all classes from 1st form to 5th Form. If we can find a way to decrease the high number of students on the campus the school can some how controll the number of students attending.
        • Iron Lion (09/05/2012, 11:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Yes Island Girl But it's ignorant people why we don't have a JR High. They bashed NDP when they had to plan to put it Paraquita Bay talking nonsense about mixing with college students, utter rubbish! Do the college students mix with plants and animals up there at the Agriculture site? Everything has to be political that's why we go around in circles. many will disagree with anythhing Myron says just because it's him saying it. Nothing wrong with Biwater mucking up the land up there but it was too good for the Jr High School. Now look where we are, talking about the same things that we talked about 8yrs ago. Splitting the school is a priority as well but it can't be done in a day, one step at a time. Myron advocating for better quality education, he gets bashed. Andrew advocating for car race, cock fight, free ipad and other phukry, he gets a standing ovation.
  • little black boy (09/05/2012, 10:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    every thing Myron see on the internet and on the news he wants to bring here!!! boy slow your backside down...walk slow
    • magic dagrin (09/05/2012, 19:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No where in the Caribbean there is a 6th form so Myron should get inform before he go public..his statement last night tells me he does not know a thing about what the real issues are in Education. Dr. Potter where are you to bring light and guidance to this man????
  • jack be still (09/05/2012, 10:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi is not ready for this...
  • Myron fan (09/05/2012, 10:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is a smarty man. People are just receptive to change.
  • Myron fan (09/05/2012, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oops I mean smart man
  • Notes...... (09/05/2012, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I support the Sixth form..but you most have a junior high and senior High
    • Queen Mary (09/05/2012, 11:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What a foolish and backward idea!!! There are so many issues with mingling 11 and 12-year old 1st Form students with 18 and 19-year old 5th Form students, and here Myron goes wanting to add a Form 6 eh???? Is this guy good in his head or is he just running his mouth to make the news??? If I was to wedge it will be the latter!!! For he could spend his time getting lights on the soft ball field, finishing the high school project as the contractors bawling they cannot get paid and furnish many of the schools that is over crowed he here talking fart…suckteeth.
      • Iron Lion (09/05/2012, 11:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Queen Ass He clearly said the school will need to be split junior and senior, 3yrs of each. he also said no decision has beeen made as public meetings have to be held etc. its' not a done deal.
  • hm (09/05/2012, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They need to call it what it is because many people seem to be confused thinking that they are referring to a sixth form as it is in the UK when they are actually talking about an extra year of 5th form (@the 5th form work level (again) NOT at a 6th form level as in the UK).
    • Iron Lion (09/05/2012, 11:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      so how you know what they mean when no meetings have been held yet? Tell us Ms Cleo.
      • hm (09/05/2012, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        because they have talked about it previously and that is what they said (unless they have changed it since then I would think that what they said previously is still what they mean). got it
  • Star (09/05/2012, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is so sad when bloggers are poorly inform about an issue. The Honourable Minister is not suggesting a six form because the UK has one. Unlike previous Ministers he is well aware of the preparation a student needs in order to be successful on school leaving exams and CXC. We cannot expect better results on these exams, which are base on a three year syllabus (locally and regionally) that we forcefully try to cover in one year and five months. Additionally the level of work we are asking the student to do they are not mature enough to handle it. Yes there are a few students who are able to cope, but it is only a few. As educators, parents and community minded individuals it is our job to make available to students the best tools to be successful. At best most are able to retain information, but in may instances they are unable to conceptualize the information. Another year will make them much more prepared. Gone are they days when we rushed students out of school to fill jobs. Give the their time to mature.
    • hm (09/05/2012, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good at least your debate on the topic is a more informed one than I have seen from other bloggers for real.
  • Jinx (09/05/2012, 13:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a very good idea Myron. While studying in the UK I saw the schools have this and it works wonders for the kids. I am finally glad we are getting the UK school system here. I am so glad. GO Myon Go!!! Yipppieee.
    • rat tail (09/05/2012, 14:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      one thing with you NDP cowbirds you try your best to support funny man even when you know he talking bull...i just sick of seeing myron ugly face
      • Iron Lion (09/05/2012, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Andrew promoted drag racing, cockfighting, lowering the bar for graduates and giving away free iPads. look where that got us. We finally got a minister of education with common sense, eat your heart out.
  • I second the Motion Mr Minister (09/05/2012, 14:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I quite agree with this. No longer will be the days when our children goes off to university in the United States and will have to do one or two years of High School. If you count from Stage 2 which is now consider as Grade 1 and when you get to High School and reach form 5 you still can't get the Grade 12 yet. Go right ahead this will mean that my daughter will not leave school at 15 making 16 in the December of her graduation year.
    • insider (09/05/2012, 15:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I cannot belive that man went to law school as his logic of supect and weak. Is the Minisiter saying high unemployment statistics and students who cannot read is the reason to retain students in school for another year??? poor fellow
    • Not so... (10/05/2012, 14:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You cannot compare apples and oranges. The grade system is totally different from the form system, mainly the curriculum. For example, the students under the grade system in high school in the USVI and USA may only do say 2 and a half years of a subject, while those from the BVI might do the subject for five years in high school. We cannot measure it by years, but rather look at subject content, skills expected to be mastered etc. And I don't know which students MUST go to high school again once they have finished high school here. Those that have done so chose to do so it is not because of non-completion of work, but for other purposes.
  • don q (09/05/2012, 17:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawd ah mussy give funny man ah break he trying ah ting!!!
  • bam (09/05/2012, 17:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    myron i hope orion law and moorings will be paying for the school supplies for the extra year lmfao
  • come back (09/05/2012, 19:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Andrew boss in time like these we miss you...more season and reason
  • inider (10/05/2012, 08:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well good food for thought for discussion Mr. Minister but you and I know this idea is not going anywhere!
  • STOP (10/05/2012, 10:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    MYRON STOP BLOGGING AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE HOUSE PROCEEDINGS


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