Ministry looks to extend school year

The Ministry of Education is exploring the possibility of extending the school year beyond the existing 190 days, as part of an attempt to stem the regression of students during the long summer break.

However, in making the announcement, Education Minister Ronald Thwaites says no decision will be taken until all the relevant stakeholders are consulted.

Speaking at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of New Kingston yesterday, Thwaites noted that extending the school year will require careful negotiations with teachers and school administrators, but said that has already started.

The Education Minister says studies have shown that the 8-week summer break has resulted in the loss of learnt skills for some students.

He says the studies have also shown that students can regress as much as one grade during the summer holidays.


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