An educational camp spearheaded by Headteacher of the Lowmans Windward Anglican School, Otto Sam, wrapped up yesterday.{{more}}
Sam told SEARCHLIGHT that since Sunday, March 29th, 2009, 18 students of his school, two from the Diamonds Government, and one from the Lauders Government, have been participating in an intense camp at the Lowmans Windward Anglican School geared towards improving their chances at passing this yearâs Common Entrance Examinations.
âWe are looking to have a 75 per cent to 90 per cent pass rate,â said Sam.
He added: âYou find that we have different students at different levels. This is a tough community, and if you allow them (students) to go home, you find it hard to crank them up when school opens.â
During the camp, students participate in study periods, teaching sessions, group sessions, quiz, and play periods, said Sam. During that time, oral and written assessments are conducted on their performance. Sam believes that they are already seeing improvement among the group.
Sam explained that during the programme, aspects of the curriculum that teachers might not have had the chance to cover as they wished are revised.
He said Joy Charles, a Linguist, came in to help the students with poetry.
He lauded the teachers and parents for volunteering their time. He said each parent was asked to contribute $50 towards the programme. The parents also volunteered their time to cook for the students, shop, and sleep with them at nights.
This has fostered a community spirit among the parents, Sam acknowledged.
Mervina Black, mother of 10-year-old Desron Black, a student in the programme told SEARCHLIGHT, she welcomes the initiative.
âI feel great about it. I think it is a good opportunity because instead of them being at home running up and down they are in their books,â said Mervina, adding she will be there anytime the school needed her.
She expressed the desire to see the programme continue.
Patricia Haywood, the mother of 11-year-old Valisha Haywood, another student, showered praises on Sam for taking the initiative to have such programme.
Sam said similar programmes were conducted at the Diamonds Government School in the 1990s and as recently as 2000. (HN
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