... Using different methods to match learning abilities
DURING ITS first inspection of Scott’s Hall Primary in St Mary, the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) rated teachers’ modification and adaptation of the curriculum as unsatisfactory. Since then, the teaching staff has been using differentiated instruction to teach students with different learning abilities. For example, boys who are reading below their grade level are taught concepts through the playing of cricket. They return to class to discuss what they did and learn, using flash cards. These boys subsequently achieve near mastery or mastery in the grade four test.
“We scored high on differentiated instruction in the NEI’s latest assessment,” principal, Eunice McKenzie, reported. She disclosed that Rashel Palmer-Rhoden, teacher for grade one, is responsible for analysing data on all students, which informs her colleagues how to adjust teaching and learning. Each class has a data book on each student and it is passed on to the teacher in the next grade.
Regarding professional development, McKenzie is enrolled in the Effective Principal Training Programme offered by the National College for Educational Leadership, and all teachers attend the ministry’s training in the National Standard Curriculum.
Turning to welfare, the principal emphasises that no child is forced to learn on an empty stomach because the school provides breakfast and lunch support. Students who attend Scott’s Hall Primary come from low-income families living in the mainly farming community. Attendance is very good at 91 per cent.
The parent-teacher association and past students’ association are supportive of the school’s administration and raises funds to improve the facilities.
“We are more than satisfied with the progress of the school,” says the president of both organisations, Jacqueline Phillips.
The principal acknowledges the support of these organisations and the NCB Foundation, which has refurbished the sick bay.