... Building better boys
BOYS OUTNUMBER girls in the overall student population at the Bellevue Primary and Junior High in Perth Town, Trelawny, and the administrators have implemented several initiatives geared towards improving the performance of the young males.
Principal Shaunavon deSouza told The Gleaner that pedagogical strategies were modified to make learning more accessible and enjoyable to boys.
These included the use of project-based learning and the incorporation of technology into lessons. Classroom seating arrangements were also modified to place boys closer to the front of the room. Other modifications were the use of circular seating arrangements and ‘walk around’ breaks.
Boys who showed exemplary conduct and academic achievement were appointed to leadership positions and The Three Bs (Building Better Boys) Club was established to develop self-confidence and leadership skills of boys.
Weekly gender devotions were also held, during which boys were exhorted to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, and were congratulated for improvements made.
The school ensures that students are motivated by recognising their achievements through incentives such as tokens and certificates.
CAREER DAY
In addition, on Career Day, students are exposed to a wide range of professions and types of businesses. Also, on Open Day, students’ vocational works are put on display and parents are pleasantly surprised.
Student performance has shown mixed results between 2012 and 2014 when the primary department was phased out.
Mastery of literacy by the grade-four cohort moved from 50 per cent to 100 per cent between 2012 and 2013, with mastery of numeracy moving from 21 per cent to 33 per cent for the same period.
Grade Six Achievement Test results for 2012-2014 showed a decline in the average pass for language arts from a high of 58 per cent to a low of 49 per cent; and a decline from 49 per cent to 41 per cent for mathematics.
Following its reinspection of Bellevue Junior High, the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) upgraded the school’s overall effectiveness from level one to level three – satisfactory, which is the minimum performance expected of any school.
The principal praised the school board for its support in turning around the institution’s performance. He also acknowledged the significant support he received from the education officers attached to the school.