KINGSTON, Jamaica—Approximately 200 grade six and grade 11 students from across Westmoreland and St James have strengthened their competencies in Mathematics and English Language, as well as in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

This was achieved through a major series of capacity building and development sessions hosted by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Region Four, at Maud McLeod High School in Westmoreland on February 19.

The initiative forms part of a strategic regional response to improve student achievement and strengthen examination readiness. It also aims to build confidence among learners following recent disruptions to teaching and learning.

Region Four Regional Director, Dr Michele Pinnock, told JIS News that students were actively engaged throughout the day.

Grade six students participated in robotics activities and introductory sessions in Food and Nutrition. Interactive review games also reinforced key Mathematics and English Language concepts.

Grade 11 students from Maud McLeod High and Grange Hill High in Westmoreland, along with Maldon High in St James, also participated in targeted academic sessions. They engaged in a career forum that highlighted emerging and trending career opportunities.

Meanwhile, teachers and principals participated in sessions focused on improving numeracy and literacy outcomes.

They also explored strategies for integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into classroom instruction—an approach that incorporates creativity and innovation into traditional STEM disciplines.

“Our facilitators were practicing teachers so they were able to bring the things alive… and our teachers were very, very appreciative of that,” Pinnock said.

The day also featured STEAM project showcases and ‘Try a Skill’ sessions. These activities were aimed at strengthening independent learning skills and boosting student motivation.

Pinnock described the initiative as “an exceptionally good day,” emphasising that it strengthened both confidence and academic focus among students and educators.

The activities also featured the official launch of the Maud McLeod High School Resource Hub.

Established through a partnership involving the Ministry of Education, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, and the Flow Foundation, the hub is designed to strengthen teaching and learning continuity across 11 schools in eastern Westmoreland.

It will provide shared technology, STEM kits, printed instructional materials, and specialised learning spaces to support schools experiencing infrastructural challenges.

-JIS