By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterTHE MINISTRY of Education is predicting improved performances in science subjects at the primary level, with the implementation of the $50 million Primary Science Programme financed by Texaco Caribbean Inc.
The three-year programme, which will benefit 290 primary schools located in proximity to any one of the 80 Texaco gas stations islandwide, was launched Thursday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
"Undoubtedly, this project will enhance science at the primary level," said Wesley Barrett, Chief Education Officer.
According to Mr. Barrett, only half the number of students who sit science subjects in the Grade Six Achievement Test and the Caribbean Examination Council, respectively, attain satisfactory passes of 50 per cent and over.
"And the relatively few students at the secondary level, and even worse at the tertiary level, who opted to pursue science subject is attributed to a less than satisfactory competence and appreciation of science at the primary level," the Chief Education Officer stressed.
PRIMARY SCHOOL QUIZ
The programme will include a science quiz at the primary level, an environmental essay competition at the lower secondary level, and a science fair, excursion and science teacher award competition at both levels.
Mr. Barrett said the science laboratories at recently upgraded high schools were still inadequately equipped compared to those at traditional high schools, where performances were also more encouraging.
Keynote speaker, Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, said the involvement of corporate entities in education should not be merely out of benevolence.
"More companies are realising that the very foundation of their sustainability is a strong enduring education of not just those who interact with them, but also those who are in the community in which they operate," she said.
Michael Chen, Texaco's managing director, disclosed that the primary science programme, which has been designed by the Ministry of Education, would involve employees of the oil marketing company.
"Employees' involvement will be part of their internal performance evaluation," he stressed, while noting his company's commitment to the community.
