School day to be extended

| 01/07/2020 | 158 Comments

(CNS): When Cayman students return to government schools in August and September they will be facing a school day that will be longer than they are used to. Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has confirmed that to help students catch up on missing time because of the COVID-19 shutdown, at least 30 minutes, possibly even an hour, will be added to school days in the new academic year.

The minster said she agreed with the recent school inspectors’ report on the learning situation during the health crisis that schools will have to catch up. But, answering questions at the COVID-19 briefing on Friday, she said she ruled out having students repeat years.

The minister said she felt the best way to fill in the missing time was by extending the school day. She said that the education ministry was also going to look at the impact the start time of the school day has had on traffic, noting that there was some “dissatisfaction” with the change made to the start time last year.

But how long the new school day will be and at what time it will begin has yet to be confirmed, though O’Connor-Connolly said she hoped to make the announcement soon.

“We believe that not only will we have to add a half hour, perhaps even an hour, to the school day, but we will also have to watch it and see how the summer term is going,” the minister said.

Despite the concerns raised by the inspectors’ report, the minister said she felt it was a fair and independent report. She pointed out that she had requested the inspection because it was very important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the educational system at one of the worst times since Hurricane Ivan.

The minister welcomed some of the positive changes that have already taken place due to the findings of the report, including the acquisition of laptops for every single child in the government school system and plans to help them all get better internet access.

In a long statement at the briefing Friday, the minister outlined what had happened during the school shutdown and what was planned for the return of school at the end of August.

The ministry has developed official guidelines for school reopenings, covering critical issues, from how to manage physical distancing to sanitising protocols. Planning is also underway to address students’ mental health and wellness, given the trauma they may have experienced during the pandemic.

But provided Cayman keeps the virus in check, government schools will open again in phases. Orientation for all new students will take place on 25 August either in person and remotely (which has not been decided), but some in-person classes will not start for new students until September.

On 26 August all Nursery, Reception and Years 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 11 students should report to school for in-person lessons (Creek and Spot Bay Primary will determine at a later date whether additional students will be allowed to resume classes on that day). CIFEC will also welcome its Year 12 students.

Students in Years 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 will resume online lessons until 9 September, when they can return for in person lessons.

See the minister’s full statement and the guidance for reopening schools in the CNS Library


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Category: Education, Local News, Policy, Politics

Comments (158)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Most of the children in public schools are already behind. An extra 1 hour with snack will not hurt anyone.

    Parents please adjust. The children are given enough holiday break to recover.

    So nothibg to worry about.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Cheers to a parent who doesn’t care about the mental state of your child. Social Service needs to take your child or children. Chidren need to spend some waking hours eith their parents. I can see you are glad to get rid of them. Shame on you

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    • Anonymous says:

      That may be so but it puts a lot of stress on the system. After school programs, parents adjusting schedules, etc. Not worth it.

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    • Anonymous says:

      An extra hour a day of tuition from unqualified teachers is going to make a jot of difference. Well done Juju your ignorance of your own education system is astounding.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    The whole world has been through Covid..yet no other country is proposing an extended day for new school year. What is the real reason behind this move?

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    • Sammy says:

      Manipulation,no common sense, poor judgment, no intelligence, poor leadership skills, etc, etc,etc

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    • Anonymous says:

      To prove that Cayman education system is the best in the world. The way they abused the teachers and report everything about what’s going on in the classrooms I don’t know how these teachers are still standing. Hope none of my children ever think about becoming a teacher.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Well the OES recommended it so I guess they pulled this recommendation out of a hat. Been searching and can’t find any audit or inspection reports for UK or other countries where schools were inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic. So I guess it only happened in the Cayman Islands SMH What else do we expect our teachers and students to go through? Reality check for those who think they have all the answers to fix education, we just came through a PANDEMIC! Borders closed, people lost their jobs! This not only happened in Cayman people, it happened across the world! We talk about mental health and well-being – someone please check the definition for those terms as some of these ideas springing up needs close examination.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Inspectorate a total waste of money. Schools know what they need to do to improve; they don’t need some British based “experts”. One school on Cayman Brac was told that students shouldn’t walk to school….c’mon, ridiculous.

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      • Anonymous says:

        To say they have done something in response to the report. Doesn’t have to make sense or be effective – just allows JuJu to say she has taken action. And blame the virus.

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    • Anonymous says:

      To say they have done something in response to the report. Doesn’t have to make sense or be effective – just allows JuJu to say she has taken action. And blame the virus.

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  3. Anonymous says:

    I recommend they cut the 25 minutes given for tutorial which is from 8 to 8:25. It is unnecessary. Tutorial doesn’t need to be more than 10 minutes to mark names. That 15 minutes could be added to the end of day. Then they could add another 15 minutes which would take us to 3 05.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    I’m not surprised this is coming from a woman who told us to storm a wedding last year. Julianna is not qualified and she’s a threat to the future of our education system. In fact, our whole government is a threat to Cayman.

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  5. Anonym says:

    There are lohs of experts in Education field here, but we see many children falling behind and failing in every aspect of life. I wonder if the School Inspectorate are assessing the schools using the best model to analyse the outcomes, or to provide analysis for better results? Just a thought from a product of Cayman education system.

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  6. Anonymoust says:

    There are lohs of experts in Education field here, but we see many children falling behind and failing in every aspect of life. I wonder if the School Inspectorate are assessing the schools using the best model to analyse the outcomes, or to provide analysis for better results? Just a thought from a product of Cayman education system.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    It is quality we need, not quantity.
    Look up how they do it in finland.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Quality not quantity. Increasing the school day is by far the most ridiculous thing I have heard yet. Sounds like a “quick fix” in which is really a just bandaid. How about ensuring quality education within the timeframe the kids are were already at school and making sure this system Is universally strong across all schools and all classrooms in the Cayman Islands. These are children, not employees that punch in and punch out on a time card.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Please I beg you no homework and reduce the amount of classes. I feel RE should be taken out of schools and left with the churches, Bible studies and the like, if parents wish that their children attend. I have taken Spanish and French as mandatory subjects in public school and besides some body parts I can neither, nor can anyone I went to school with, speak nor write in those languages. A second language should be for those who are older and choose to take it up outside school out of interest. Music can be with local music schools and not in government or private schools. Performers can go around to different schools to perform at assemblies. Musicians Limited raise funds every year for those less fortunate to have either discounted or free music lessons. I feel the answer is to find more time to teach kids the core subjects at school. Everything else is extracurricular and outside of the school. School hours remain the same. Reading, writing arithmetic .. focus on these and be repetitive: writing stories, sentence structure, spelling, expanding vocabulary, penmanship, imagination, brainstorming story ideas with peers. The kids finish a whole book by year end and have it published. KNOW their times tables while at SCHOOL. I don’t want to do it at home. I’m doing home stuff and about 2.5 hours to do it in by the time I get home from work: cooking cleaning laundry getting ready for school the next day, packing bags and making lunches, bathing the kids … is it just me…?

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    • Anonymous says:

      A different language should be kept. Anything religious needs to be taught on their own time or not at all since it’s like teaching your children about Santa at school.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Terrible idea to take the Arts and Languages out of schools. Just because you didn’t see value in them, doesn’t mean that many others won’t. We live in a country that hosts and does business with people from all over the world. We should appreciate the value of engaging people, whether tourist or business person in their own language. Music, Art and Theater are vital parts of a balanced education, only teach STEM subjects denies not only stimulation of half the brain, but limits children to half the jobs in the world, and arguably the type of jobs that are the reason why people work in the first place so they can enjoy the things that the Arts offer, Art, Music, Movies, Concerts, Entertainment, Video games, TV etc. Don’t be so short sighted.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    Oh good. A free extra hour of babysitting.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    This wont solve the issue. What will solve the issue is to allow private schools to start 830AM and finish at 330PM or vice versa, have public schools start at 830 and private schools at 800AM. Will surprise you what a difference this will make. But extending the school day will fail long before its tested.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I agree but it should be 8:30 and 9:00 not any earlier. Some kids are in a car for an hour just to get to school so leaving any Helier than 7:30 is not helpful for their wellbeing.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What happened to years 6 and 7?

      Do they not exist anymore?

      So strange to read that it was not even considered to have some children repeat the last year!

      Wow….these leaders in education are surely screwing with yours kid’s future.

      Shocking coming from someone who should know better.

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      • Anonymous says:

        If all kids repeated then no one would be ostracised by staying back. Kids graduate way too early.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    #defundeducation

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  13. Anonymous says:

    How is this going to work? Teachers’ contracts and job descriptions specify a workweek of 37.5 hours/7.5 hours per day – even though we all know teachers work more than that. Also, teachers are entitled to 1 hour for lunch and two 15-minute breaks each day. Also, teachers are supposed to receive at least 4 hours per week planning time.

    So where is this extra hour going to fit? Will they issue new contracts to teachers? Will the labor laws and PSML have to change? Will teachers be compensated for this extra official hour?

    I have a feeling that if this goes through, Cayman will lose quite a few teachers to other jurisdictions. And those that remain are going to mentally check out of the classroom.

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is only a suggestion, I hope! The time spent preparing two types of lessons (on-site and distance-learning) will cut in to the teachers’ workloads substantially in any respect! The only way I foresee this working is that there is a demand on the students’ time out of school hours to commit and be monitored at a site platform on their laptop. The usual scenario of the work set for home activity being ignored will have to stop. It’s all about negotiation at this stage, in my humble opinion. An Educator.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am currently teaching in a different country, but I am Caymanian by birth, and was hopping to move back home to teach next school year. But I am being forced to rethink that decision.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Really? I never knew we were allowed 4 hours per week planning time – because I never get it!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Check your job description and compare it to your contract. You’ll see you are entitled to it and realize that they’ve been getting away with bloody murder.

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    • World class says:

      Government contracts states a minimum of 37.5 hours up to 45 hours per week. But it is clear who you are. This is why our education is not world class.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Who is it pray tell…

      • Anonymous says:

        It’s not world class because teachers, who have been under equipped, underpaid and overworked for years want to be fairly compensated for an increase in their work times? I’m not clear on what you’re trying to say. If your boss Told you that you had to work extra time for no extra pay, I doubt your Attitude would be good. Would that bad attitude make your place less than world class? Or would it be the boss has fostered a climate there that is not conducive to world class performance?

        Enlighten us, please.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    I am the parent of smart kids, if I may say so and my children who use to enjoy school are coming home from this school year complaining that they don’t like school anymore because it’s too much work. I am worried for the mental state of our children with this extended school days.I want my children to enjoy school while learning.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Just ditch the sciences altogether and spend more time on Jesus.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Just the kind of action that will keep Cayman stupid. By all means, teach religion in school, but teach science, maths, languages etc too, so that the next generation can make informed decisions in a global market.

    • Anonymous says:

      The more you know about Jesus, the more the majesty of science makes sense.
      Science is a gift for us to improve our world, but instead we use it to create weapons, pollution, technology to control each other and GMOs.
      Even the topic of Control Engineering that dictates that a system designed to be in feedback will become unstable when the feedback loop is broken speaks volumes.
      Man is supposed to be in feedback or fellowship with God, but when that connection was broken, mankind became unstable. Yes, we wonder why our lives are unstable. Kids are on powerful drugs because their parents are selfish, people are self-medicating their pain away with alcohol, weed, junk-food, sexual proclivities and all manner of darkness.
      Yet the science says that when the feedback loop is restored, the unstable system becomes stable again.

      That is precisely what Jesus did. He restored our ability to be in fellowship or feedback with God and we can be stable again.
      This is an incredible mathematical truth and can be proven scientifically on about 3 blackboards.

      I saw it done in university and since then, my faith and love for Jesus has only increased.

      God will have the last say whether you want to believe it or not. I hope we wake up before then.

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      • Anonymous says:

        People will go to church if they want to learn about Jesus, don’t force your way on others. It concerns me that we have people like you here, that kind of mentality belongs in backwards places like Saudi Arabia. Keep your beliefs to yourself and keep it moving.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Jesus Who?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Lols

  16. Anonymous says:

    Bad lessons taught longer further incentivizes class ditching.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    Pretty dumb

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Seems that all one needs to run a school is a higher degree from ‘walmart’ and friends in the right places…. forget about the importance of experience,discipline and creative thinking. There seems to be a serious disregard for teaching and learning.

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    • Anonymous says:

      @ 3.25 Well said that person. The 6 that downvoted this clearly have an IQ (that’s intelligence quotient to those 6) equivalent to their shoe size.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Look at all the leaders in the schools and in the ministry. Is it a coincidence that most of them are affiliated with a particular church on island? (I would say the name of the church, but something tells me CNS won’t post my comment if I say which one it is)

      It’s all a big club, and if you’re not a certain nationality AS WELL AS a member of that church, you’re pretty much barred from holding any position of influence in education To make it better. That’s why most Caymanians who go into education get frustrated and leave eventually.

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      • Anonymous says:

        @3:23 pm, tell us the name of the church or even reference one top official so I can “join” the church…

  19. Elvis says:

    An extra hour per day is simply not an answer at all. Silly idea.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    Mental health evaluations should be mandatory for our Government leaders! There is no flipping way I’ll be sending my 6 year old to school for 8 hours a day! 7 hours was way too long before! Child had to get up from 6:30am to get to school by 7:45am, then all day in cramped conditions til 3:00pm! These are 3, 4 and 5 year olds! Another week or 2 longer for the school term would be a better idea. You’d better rethink this stupid idea!

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    • Anonymous says:

      While wearing a mask !!

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They must be mad. The school day is long enough as it is. How the hell does she expect patents with children of multiple ages and different schools to deal with this, work and run a household. How in hell will they find time to do home work and also balance education with recreation and after school activities. The education system as it is has trouble educating them now their solution is to make the days longer. Talk about a mental health battle she going to haveceithbthese kids and poor parents

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  21. Anonymous says:

    To assist the traffic and parents, get private schools to use a bus service. They can share if there is not enough from 1 school. Make it mandatory.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Great idea. When social distancing is mandatory, herd children who would normally travel by family car onto buses.

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    • Anonymous says:

      This wont solve the issue. What will solve the issue is to allow private schools to start 830AM and finish at 330PM or vice versa, have public schools start at 830 and private schools at 800AM. Will surprise you what a difference this will make. But extending the school day will fail long before its tested.

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    • Cayman Mom says:

      Private schools are not the problem. I sent my daughter to private school from Kindergarten to year 9. She received a commendable educated. Then I didn’t have the money to continue as my husband lost his job. She went on to graduate from John Grey. The quality of education in the public schools is shockingly poor. I was not prepared for how awful it would be. It is no place for a child who wants to learn. Most of the teachers were competent and dedicated. It is the lazy do nothing parents that drag Cayman’s public schools down. Schools are not dry cleaning services, where you drop off your kids and expect teachers to clean them up into decent people.

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  22. Patsy says:

    It us quite clear Julianna O’Connor doesn’t know what she us doing

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  23. Anonymous says:

    Doesn’t matter what time school starts or ends, there will always be some folks who are displeased with times.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    This is my point of view. I am young Caymanian teacher btw just to clear the air.

    If Minister Julianna wants to extend the school day which makes no sense by the way, she can do it! However, she better put quality assurance measures in place to ensure that teachers spend the extra hour teaching and students are learning. I can tell her this much, last year school started at 8am but we wasted the “extra” time in Assemblies and Staff Meetings.

    So she best guide her principals not to waste anymore time. No I don’t care about assemblies for this day or that day; assemblies were done to put the school’s name out there. No I am not interested in anyone using staff meetings to bully the staff members.

    This school year is going to be just as horrible as the previous one because some schools have the same unqualified Principal and SMT.

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  25. Anonymous says:

    The rationale for the longer day makes sense obviously – to catch the kids back up with education standards, etc.

    However it is fatally flawed –
    1. the kids are not going to focus/be engaged that long at school; certainly not after being used to 1 hour shorter days.
    2. teachers will burn out
    3. a longer hour in the afternoon is the worst time of day to try to get already tired kids to remain focused
    4. the school runs/family logistics are fixed in stone pretty much in the community and we’ll struggle to accommodate this change.

    Here’s what i’d suggest – rather than seek to extend the day, simply REMOVE certain subjects. Controversial, sure. BUt why not focus on the core subjects:

    Maths/English/let kids choose 1 Science much earlier than usual/Geog/History.

    Drop music; drop multiple sciences; drop whatever else you can, community service modules, whatever. Drop 2nd languages – i know, crazy! But ask yourself, how many of the kids are really interested or any good at Spanish these days? 5%? Play the odds…and Google translate can transform any communication challenges you may have.

    I know, some will freak. But these are crazy times. Would you rather no education or enough focused education to set you up for High School and College, etc?

    Tough choices to be made for sure. But sometimes you have to play the numbers the dice has rolled. this is one of those times.

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    • Anonymous says:

      “drop multiple sciences”

      Are you insane? Do you think we should inhibit Caymanians from aspiring to be Doctors, etc?

      I bet you’re part of the lobby that wants biological evolution and dinosaur fossil dating to not be taught in school.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Drop religious education before you drop multiple sciences. Lots of careers require multiple sciences. Very few require RE

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        • Cayman Mom says:

          RE in school is fine. It could be an amazing gateway to understanding different cultures and the power religion has on the masses. But it needs to be about all religions. Religion is a major factor in world history, politics, and foreign policy. My daughter took RE at John Grey, and was very disappointed, it was nothing more than a biased bible study.

    • Anonymous says:

      Right on! English, Math and Science- problem solved!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Let’s start with dropping Religious Education and Spanish. Lifeskills and Home Ec are basically the same.

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    • Anonymous says:

      If children are going to a college overseas, they will need to have 2 years of a second language.

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      • Anonymous says:

        which countries are these then that require that, spain, mexico…. ????

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        • Anonymous says:

          USA, UK, Canada… the main ones….

          • Anonymous says:

            My daughter went to a major canadian university and 2 years of a second language was not needed, not even french. In fact no second language studies were needed at all

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          • Anonymous says:

            Actually, it depends on the State. Not all states require two years of a foreign language. However, I’m just suggesting dropping it for now. Maybe for first Term so the children can catch up on more important subjects like Math, English and Science.

      • Anonymous says:

        4:43pm- 2 years of Spanish in High school but definitely not lower Primary.

        Reading, Writing, Math, English, Science, some Art/Music- curriculum sorted and keep the same hours.

    • Anonymous says:

      Drop music? Ah yes..the old trick. Drop the arts because we’re all academic buffs aren’t we? The arts including music is very important. Just because you can’t see the value doesn’t change the facts. If you know nothing about education and what it takes to ensure all are given equal opportunity then pleas cease sharing ignorant opinions.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Google also has a calculator. And spell-check. By your logic You could save even more time by dropping maths and English beyond primary school level. – Would still need to teach the sciences, however.

  26. Anonymous says:

    They shouldn’t start school til 9 then they wouldn’t be so tired

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    • Anonymous says:

      Especially since with this traffic some are up at 5am just to eat and be on the way!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Actually, they shouldn’t start school till 9- years old! Maybe not 9 but certainly not 4. My 4 year old child was required to be in class, online, which was absolutely ridiculous. He won’t be in school from 8-4. Guaranteed. Or, if he is, his teacher won’t be happy.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Finland
    190 school days per year.
    Average class size of 23 students.
    A typical school day lasts from 9:00 to 14:00.
    Students usually only have a couple of classes a day. They have several breaks to eat, enjoy recreational activities and relax. A number of 15 to 20-minute intervals are spread throughout the day.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Good for Finland…Not sure how you think a banana republic would compete, much less compare… Oh, nevermind. You must be new here.

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    • Anonymous says:

      And they are way ahead of the UK and US in terms of education. It is not the time spent learning it is the quality of the teaching.

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    • Anonymous says:

      12:48 That’s why they are not as Smart as the Chinese!

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  28. Anonymous says:

    As another poster said, it makes more sense to just add an extra week to the term. But that’s not going to fix the public school system here as they’ve already failed local children. Open schools, we are fine in Cayman.

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  29. Martha says:

    Julianna O’Connor needs to go.It is very clear that she doesn’t understand how to respond appropriately during and after a crisis. As a past teacher and christian, I am very dissapointed in her unlearnt and autocratic approach. How will our children and teachers cope with extended days. I can’t see much learning taking place with is levelmof frustration. Extending school year will further compound the problem. Reduce the curriculum to what matters most

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    • Anonymous says:

      Agree. She’s surely not fit good her role. We need new minds with new ideas to be running our education system. What has she done to improve anything??!!! CAYMAN WE NEED TO STAT ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS . What are these people really doing and Is it to the best of their ability or is it just lazy work?

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  30. Anonymous says:

    Horrible idea!

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  31. Anonymous says:

    Why are certain years subject to distance learning again for two weeks at the start of the school year? What does this accomplish except frustrate parents and students?

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    • Anonymous says:

      I stopped my daughter from going online because only two teachers were keeping to a schedule. The others had the children waiting, only to be told that the classes were cancelled.

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  32. Concerned parent says:

    So will teachers be given lunch breaks for an 1 and the required 15 min breaks? How can you expect students to excel by expanding the day. Those students that where already behind and trying their best to fill the gap will become burnt out. Many students are already tired by 2:30. Then we need to look at those students who where already progressing with this new curriculum be ready to see them decline under the extended pressure. I am a parent that has genuine concern for my child wellbeing and mental health. As someone who knows a number of teachers they are already burnt out from the adaption to home schooling but are driven to continue in their profession. Teachers are human beings are ur children our human beings.
    I prey for the well-being and mental health of all teachers and our young ones. Please expect to see and increase in behaviour related issues and a decline in academic success.

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  33. Anonymous says:

    As a parent who works closely with my children’s teachers, it is obvious that the leaders in the department are responsible for the failure of ghe system.the hire some of the best teachers who gave great results in other countries but are failing her

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    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you 11:40am! Leadership is the problem-DES, MEYSAL and don’t forget the clueless principals who have no training in educational leadership and management!!

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  34. Anonymous says:

    This is the plan we get after we pay someone CI $13,000 a month.

    Education is in shambles and Tourism is wiped out.

    If you are not in finance and your child is not in a private school life is going to get real hard for a lot of people.

    This government can not be voted back in.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Believe me the Government is doing its best to wipe out the finance industry.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You really think the private schools are doing better? Most of them have already fired half their staff.

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    • F vs T says:

      Make this be a lesson to everyone. If you want your child to live comfortable, encourage them to get a job in finance not tourism.
      Job security and and better pay.

  35. Anonymous says:

    10:38 am It’s not so many planes. The pilots are required to keep up with their hours of flight time. What you are seeing is the same plane taking off and landing.

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  36. Anonymous says:

    Those leaders in the department need to meet with the teachers and discuss the way forward. They are making decisions and not involving the teachers. They some of the best teachers who were producing great results in other countries but they can’t produce the same results here. It us not their fault. We need to take a look at the leaders in the department

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  37. Confused says:

    Parents need to take a closer look at what their children are expected to do in a guven day versus what other students across the world are required to do. This is why the students and teachers are burnt out and the teachers are punished for it. The educatuin department is failing the students, teachers and the country. Thecteachers are punished for this.

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  38. Confused says:

    Parents need to take a closer look at what students in Primary Schools are required to do in a day versus what other students the same age are required to do actriss the world. Our students and teachers are burnt out sbd the teachers are blamed and punished for it.

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  39. Anonymous says:

    Alden’s school buildings to the rescue. His foresight is undeniable. He’s saved us all.

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  40. susan says:

    so you think children brains wont shut down starting from 8-4. and lets not talk about traffic

    32
    • Anonymous says:

      As a parent who works closely with my children’s teachers, it is obvious that the leaders in the department are responsible for the failure of ghe system.the hire some of the best teachers who gave great results in other countries but are failing her

      10
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  41. Anonymous says:

    Nope

    12
  42. Anonymous says:

    1/2 hr by 5 days by 10 weeks is 25 hrs. If absolutely needed, wouldn’t it be more efficient to just add 1 week to the term?

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  43. Anonymous says:

    For those curious, Juliana’s Education Council until 2018 was:
    Dan Scott, Barbara Conolly, Christen Suckoo, Lyneth Monteith, Jacqueline Ebanks, Shauna Haylock, Debra McLaughlin, Deborah Thompson. Woody Foster, Nola Bodden, Claudette Lazzari, Christina Bodden, Maxine Bodden, Darrel Rankine, Cindy Scotland, Kimberly Kirkconnell

    …the website hasn’t been updated since early 2018.

    Per the Education Regulations 2017, only three of fifteen are required to be educational experts. In my business, bad inputs equal bad outputs.

    Discuss.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Here is possibly a better solution. Instead of increasing time, for the first term at least, let times remain as they are and use Friday as a ‘ catch up day.’

      Students remain in tutorials for this day and use it as a catch up day with subjects on a rollover week. E.g. English and Maths the first week. Humanities and Science the 2nd week and so on for the month. Then the following month a repeat of the previous month.

      This might be a better way to make up for lost time than trying to have students cramp work in a shorter time during the day. In an already stressful situation that will only lead to greater issues down the line, I envision more problems for students and teachers alike if the Minister’s way is carried out.

      • Anonymous says:

        Nice idea, but how can you “catch up” when you don’t have the basics. So they do “normal” lessons all week then catch up on Friday, doesn’t make any sense. For example, normally in year 3, they learn how to write in paragraphs so they will do that in the week, then on Friday they will “catch up” on what they should have learned in year 2 which is how to write a sentence. How can you write a paragraph before you can write a sentence? This is just an example to demonstrate my point. You can’t just catch up on Friday they need spend the whole week catching up, then when they have caught up, move on to what they should be learning. I think you think that teachers just give students a load of paper work and when they have completed it they have caught up. Students need to have an understanding of the concepts, not just do a load of worksheets.

  44. Anonymous says:

    Caymanian education was falling behind before Covid. Now it will never catch up. The ones in charge should have experience,training and skills. Here they have the right last names. Future Caymanians don’t stand a chance because of the corrupt practices and good old boy network of the present day leadership. You have done a great job ensuring that Cayman Islands will always need expats to survive economically.

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  45. Anonymous says:

    On another note, why so many planes today? Must have been about 15 since 7 am and it’s not even 11 am?!!

    6
    10
    • Jotnar says:

      Flight Radar shows one aircraft doing repeated take off and landing circuits. Probably pilot keeping his licence valid.

      19
    • //abys says:

      Those aren’t individual planes. They’re doing training exercise or something. If you watch, they take off and circle back around to land

      10
  46. Say it like it is says:

    I’m glad the Inspectors picked up a lot of problems the Minister did not notice. I trust she will now extend her hours and do a better job.

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    3
    • Anonymous says:

      Can someone do an FOI Or find out what kind of training or experience does the OES have In inspecting remote learning ? Where else in the world did inspections during a Pandemic?

      10
      • Anonymous says:

        Exactly my point. Trying to prove who unintelligent they are. They trying too hard to prove we have world class education. Julianna and her team have proven that common sense isn’t common at all. They think we parents cant see right through their corrupt minds. Stop publishing lies on the teachers.

  47. Anonymous says:

    Yea but this weh traffic ah be 😂

    Unna four wheelas keep talking sh*t about my dirt bike but betcha I gine get Town first!

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