Education

Enid Capron Primary School Celebrates Reading Month 2022

Published

5 years ago

March 11, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, March 11, 2022 – The Enid Capron Primary School celebrated its annual Reading Month this February under the theme: “Read Something New in 2022”. Our activities included: An Opening Ceremony, Word of the Week Competition, Teacher and Student Swap Reading Time, a Storytelling Competition, Kindergarten Pyjama Day and Speech Competition. Head of the Reading Committee, Ms. Nelene Swan, stated in her remarks: “February was a month filled with a number of exciting Reading initiatives to encourage our students to read more. It gave them the opportunity to see how reading can enhance their vocabulary and also take them anywhere in the world through pictures and stories. Overall, it was a great experience for the students and built a greater partnership with the Teachers and Parents.” Prizes included cash, story books and school supplies.

Enid Capron Primary School- Reading Month 2022

Speech Competition

The Annual Speech Competition was a highlight of the Reading Month celebrations. For this competition, E.C.P.S. students from Grades 4 to 6 were asked to write a 500-word essay then read it to a panel of judges and an audience on the topic: “Exploring Our Learning Options: The Hybrid Approach”.

“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”

Calvin Sejour- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 1st Place Winner

Good morning. I am Calvin Sejour and this Tuesday morning; I will speak to you about the hybrid approach to learning. The hybrid approach comes along with the rise of education technology; schools have adopted teaching methods that diverge from the typical classroom environment. Distance learning is being used on a worldwide scale, and many educational institutions are starting to implement hybrid learning models.

However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience. Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.

Both face-to-face and online learning have their benefits and weaknesses. The goal of hybrid learning is to combine the two formats to create a singular learning experience without any weak spots. Many schools transition to hybrid learning for flexibility: a flexible learning schedule, flexibility in teaching modes, flexibility in how students engage with their learning materials, and flexibility in collaboration and communication between peers and their instructor. For students who aren’t able to attend classes in person, the hybrid learning environment allows them to learn remotely from home.

How do some teachers feel about hybrid learning?

Most teachers saw it as the worst of all options, and hated it almost instantly. Nearly two years into the pandemic, hybrid classes have been largely locked back into the pandemic toolbox and most schools are open for full-time in-person classes. But a quieter war over hybrid teaching is still underway.

Hybrid courses are a specific mode of learning that may not suit every student. Some students procrastinate more than others; some are satisfied with barely passing a course. If you are this type of person, you may find that a hybrid course is much more time consuming and difficult for you.

Thank you.

“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”

Hello. My name is Ava Welch, a fifth-grade student at the Enid Capron Primary School.

Ava Welsh- E.C.P.S Speech Competition 2022: 2nd Place Winner

Hybrid learning is an educational approach to learning in which students appear at school, which is face-to- face learning and engages in classes online. In using my class for an example, we are split into two groups. The first group has two days, and the second group has three days. This changes every two weeks. This allows for the students to go to all classes, for example Music class which is every other week.

Websites state that hybrid learning describes an educational model in which students spend at least half of their time learning online and the rest of their time learning in physical classrooms. In my words I would just say Hybrid learning is something that happened when covid 19 started, half of a class went to school, and the other half stayed at home online.

I do not think hybrid learning is the best approach because you have some children who may have trouble navigating the online process. There are also children who are unsupervised because their parents must work, so the kids sometimes play games and do not pay attention in class. The teachers have two days a week with 1 set of students and then 3 days with the other set of students face to face. To keep the kids on the same level the teacher may have to repeat his/her lessons over again leaving less time for the whole class to learn new things.

It is my opinion that some students take advantage of online classes. One reason is because they can turn off their microphones and cameras and do whatever they desire, for example, on the days when we were fully online, some of my classmates use to lay on their comfortable beds while everyone else would sit on their wooden chairs.

People can also take advantage of face-to-face education, because they can just chat with friends and not pay any attention in class and those kids who do that will get left behind in class or work. As for me, whether online, face to face or hybrid learning, I make sure to pay attention.

Hybrid learning is something that I would recommend when covid-19 numbers are high. Overall, I do not recommend hybrid learning because I believe it is hard for students and teachers alike. ‘

Do any of you know Samajeo Williams? Well, if not, he is the Director of the National Public Health Labotory in the Turks and Caicos Islands and also, he is my amazing dad! Right now, Covid-19 numbers are low so I would not recommend hybrid learning. Face to face learning is always the best way for kids to learn.

Thank you.

“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”

A pleasant Tuesday morning to you all. My name is Deliesha Toussaint. Today, I will be talking about the Hybrid Approach and other approaches to learning. I will also share with you the one that is my favourite.

Deliesha Toussaint- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 3rd Place Winner

What is the Hybrid approach? It is a combination of two different methodologies or systems that has the aim to create a new and better model to learning.

However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience In some cases, hybrid classes include learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions. When planned well, hybrid courses combine the best aspects of in-person and online learning while making education more attainable for many students.

Face-to-face learning can be good especially since wifi at our homes can be slow. When the Wi-Fi is slow, the teacher thinks I am playing games but I am not. However, when we are at school for face-to-face learning we play around.

I prefer online learning. One reason I like virtual learning is that there is no fighting.

\Also, with online learning, we can sleep and the teacher will never know!

On the other hand, learning online can be very distracting. Some of us come to learn but some come to play. We do not study; we do not do our class assignments either.

Students at my school say that they like virtual school because:

there is no fighting
they get away with doing things without the teacher finding out about it
they get more time to eat

I want my school to remain doing face-to-face learning even though I support the hybrid approach.

I thank you.

Photo Captions:

Header: Winning Class of the Storytelling Competition: Grade 2Fulford

1st insert: Speech Competition Finalists

Education

TCI Schools Invited to Participate in 2026 National Student Council Election

Published

5 days ago

September 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 17 September 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture has partnered with the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Department to bring an exciting national election experience directly to high school students across the country with the launch of the 2026 National Student Council (NSC) Election.

Held under the theme “Your Voice. Your Country. Your Future.”, the initiative will give students from all 14 public and private high schools the chance to campaign, vote and compete for national student leadership positions, while gaining first-hand experience of the electoral process.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, said the initiative gives young people a national platform to share their ideas and develop their leadership skills.

“Our young people have ideas, opinions and perspectives that deserve to be heard, and this election gives them a national platform to use their voices in a meaningful way. We want our students to step forward with confidence, share the issues that matter to them and experience what it means to lead and represent others.” She continued, “I am particularly excited to see students from schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands getting involved, supporting their candidates and participating in the voting process. I encourage every school to embrace this opportunity and help us create an experience that our students will learn from and enjoy.”

Each high school will nominate one student candidate to represent their school at the national level. Candidates will campaign for the positions of President and Vice President, sharing their ideas, priorities and plans with student voters across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Both positions will be decided by electronic vote among high school students across the country.

The remaining four positions on the six-member National Student Council: Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer. will be determined through an internal vote among the top candidates following the national election.

The election will mirror several elements of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ electoral process. Candidates will choose a party name, colour and symbol, develop a manifesto and campaign slogan, and make their case to student voters. Their names, party information and symbols will appear on an electronic ballot, giving students the opportunity to experience the process as both candidates and voters.

Acting Elections Supervisor Willette Pratt stated that the timing of the initiative is particularly significant as the country continues its focus on civic awareness and youth participation.

“Coming on the heels of Constitution Day and as we prepare to celebrate National Youth Week this September, this is a timely opportunity to put civic education into practice. We want young people to understand that democracy is not only about casting a vote; it is about being informed, participating and understanding that their voice matters. We are excited to see our schools and students embrace the experience.”

Once students are selected and endorsed by their school, candidates must submit a completed Candidate Information Form, a Student Manifesto of no more than 250 words, and a 45- to 60-second Campaign Video PSA introducing themselves and outlining the issues and priorities they hope to champion.

Candidates are expected to campaign fairly and respectfully, focusing on ideas, student issues and their plans as aspiring student leaders. Personal attacks, bullying, false or misleading information, and offering gifts or incentives in exchange for votes are prohibited. Breaches of the campaign code of conduct may result in the loss of campaign privileges or disqualification.

For candidates, it is a chance to share their ideas and test their leadership skills on a national platform. For student voters, it is an opportunity to have a say in who represents them and experience the electoral process first-hand.

With candidate selection underway, the Elections Department and Ministry of Education are looking forward to seeing students step forward, bring their ideas to the campaign and, ultimately, seeing young voters across the country make their choice at the ballot.

The 2026 National Student Council Election is an opportunity for young people to do more than learn about leadership and democracy — it gives them the chance to take part. Your Voice. Your Country. Your Future.

Education

Department of Education Concludes Four-Day TCI National Standards Secondary School Curriculum Implementation Training

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Education, through its Curriculum Development Unit, successfully concluded a four-day TCI National Standards Secondary School Curriculum Implementation Training, bringing together secondary school teachers, curriculum officers, education officials, facilitators and key stakeholders in preparation for the piloting of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ draft national secondary curricula.

The training focused on Social Studies, Mathematics, English Language and General Science. Teachers explored the draft curricula, learning objectives, content, instructional approaches and assessment expectations, while considering how the standards can be translated into meaningful classroom practice. The curricula are grounded in research, educational data, national priorities, comparative curriculum analysis and the distinctive context of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, commended Mrs Cleon Astwood, Head of the Curriculum Development Unit, and her team for their dedication and the significant progress made in developing the National Standards Curricula for secondary education. She also recognised the invaluable contribution of educators across the Turks and Caicos Islands, whose professional expertise, classroom experience, and feedback are essential to ensuring that the curricula are relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of TCI learners.

“The development of our National Standards Curricula is an important investment in the future of our children and, ultimately, in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Education must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our learners, our society, and our economy. Our teachers are at the heart of this process. Their knowledge, professional experience, and insight from the classroom are critical to ensuring that the curricula we develop are academically sound, relevant to our local context, and practical to implement. I commend our Curriculum Development Unit and our educators for the tremendous work being undertaken and for their continued commitment to strengthening the quality of education we provide to every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Educators were also addressed by Mr James Astwood, Permanent Secretary; Mr Mark Garland, Director of Education; and Ms Elisann Delancy, Deputy Director of Education, who emphasised embracing change, professional collaboration and continuous improvement.

A central focus of the training was the role teachers will play during the pilot phase. Teachers were encouraged to critically engage with the draft documents, paying attention to the clarity and appropriateness of objectives, sequencing and progression, instructional time, resources, gaps, omissions and areas requiring clarification or revision. Their classroom experiences and documented feedback will help strengthen the curricula before finalisation and national implementation.

The Social Studies session also emphasised Local Studies. A panel featuring Mrs Lisa Talbot of the Turks and Caicos National Museum, Dr Carlton Mills, Mrs Joan Astwood-Sutton and Ms Cynclair Musgrove provided historical and cultural perspectives to support accurate, culturally relevant classroom instruction.

Mrs Cleon Astwood noted: “Curriculum development cannot take place in isolation from the teachers who will ultimately bring these documents to life. As they pilot these documents, we expect them to question, test, reflect and provide meaningful feedback. Constructive professional dialogue is necessary if we are to produce strong, relevant curricula that genuinely meet the needs of our students and our education system.”

With the training concluded, participating teachers will now implement and evaluate the draft curricula in authentic classroom settings, document strengths and challenges, and submit recommendations to the Curriculum Development Unit. The Department of Education extends its appreciation to all teachers, school leaders, facilitators, historians, stakeholders and Ministry and Department officials who contributed to the successful four-day exercise.

Education

Dr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association

Published

2 months ago

August 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

ACHEA Executive Team

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 5 August 2026 — Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), has been appointed First Vice-President of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) for the 2026–2028 term.

The appointment followed elections held during ACHEA’s Annual General Meeting on 2 July 2026 at the Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, The Bahamas. The newly elected Executive officially assumed office on 1 August 2026.

ACHEA is a regional professional association that brings together higher education administrators and professionals from institutions across the Caribbean. The Association provides an important platform for regional collaboration, professional development, knowledge-sharing and the advancement of effective leadership and administration within the higher education sector.

This year holds special significance for the Association as ACHEA celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of service to higher education leadership and institutional development across the region. The milestone reflects the organisation’s sustained growth, expanding influence and continued commitment to strengthening tertiary education systems throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Dr. Williams’s appointment as First Vice-President represents a significant professional achievement and a proud milestone for TCICC and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands. It positions the country’s higher education leadership at the forefront of regional dialogue and initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative practices and addressing emerging priorities within Caribbean tertiary education.

In her role as First Vice-President, Dr. Williams will support the President and Executive in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives, strengthening engagement among member institutions and contributing to initiatives that promote excellence, innovation and sustainable development throughout the regional higher education sector.

The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, congratulated Dr. Williams on the appointment, noting that her elevation reflects both her distinguished leadership and the growing influence of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional education community.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Candice Williams on her appointment as First Vice-President of ACHEA. This achievement is a testament to her exemplary leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the advancement of higher education. Her appointment is also a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as it ensures that our national perspectives and experiences will continue to contribute meaningfully to important regional discussions. We are confident that Dr. Williams will serve with distinction and make a valuable contribution to the continued growth and development of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.”

Following the Minister’s remarks, Mrs Sheba Wilson, Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Govenors, also commended Dr. Williams’s appointment, highlighting the broader institutional and regional significance of her leadership role.

The Chairman reflected on the importance of sustained representation at the regional level and the College’s growing engagement within Caribbean higher education networks.

“Dr. Williams’s appointment to the ACHEA Executive is a clear reflection of the calibre of leadership we are fortunate to have at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. It also underscores the increasing visibility and respect that our institution and country are earning within regional higher education circles. We are especially proud that TCICC continues to contribute meaningfully to shaping conversations that influence the future of tertiary education across the Caribbean.”

Dr. Williams’s appointment also reinforces TCICC’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, sharing institutional expertise and contributing to the development of responsive and innovative higher education systems. Her participation at the executive level will provide further opportunities for TCICC to engage with regional institutions, exchange best practices and help shape approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing tertiary education across the Caribbean.

A notable moment in ACHEA’s recent history was the 2025 Annual Conference, which Dr. Williams had the privilege of hosting in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This marked the first time the Association convened its flagship conference in the TCI, welcoming more than 100 higher education administrators, researchers and thought leaders from across the Caribbean, North America and Africa to the destination. The event was widely regarded as a resounding success and is now recognised as a defining milestone in the Association’s development as it moves into its 25th anniversary year.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Williams expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the work of the Association.

“I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as First Vice-President of ACHEA. I am grateful to the Association’s membership for the confidence placed in me and look forward to working alongside the President, fellow Executive members and higher education professionals throughout the region. This appointment provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration, promote innovative administrative practices and support the continued development of institutions that are responsive to the needs of Caribbean learners and communities. I am also proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands as we contribute to the advancement of higher education across the region.”

The newly elected ACHEA Executive for the 2026–2028 term comprises:

President: Dr. Helen Williams-Cumberbatch
First Vice-President: Dr. Candice Williams
Second Vice-President: Ms Louri Clare
Secretary: Mrs Kasiane Reid-Martin
Assistant Secretary: Ms Sanielle Hinds
Treasurer: Ms Michelle Bruce
Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Courtney Garrick
Public Relations Officer: Ms Nataki Kerr
Assistant Public Relations Officer: Ms Alison Johnson

In a statement announcing the newly elected Executive, ACHEA extended its sincere appreciation to all members who participated in the election process and acknowledged the outgoing Executive members for their exemplary leadership, commitment and dedicated service throughout the previous term.

The full Executive, including members appointed to co-opted positions, will be introduced shortly.

Dr. Williams previously served as Second Vice-President of ACHEA. Her elevation to First Vice-President reflects the confidence of the Association’s membership in her leadership, experience and continued contribution to the advancement of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.