With the 2019-2020 school year coming to a close at the end of June, a press conference was held today by the Ministry of Education to provide an update on the state of education in the country. The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, assured the public that the preparation for the reopening of schools has begun.
Minister Faber went on to state that the Ministry is working tirelessly to address health concerns of Teachers, Parents, and Management alike to ensure that the reopening of schools is done in a way that will be conducive to guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health and other regulatory bodies.
The Minister of Education pointed out the following during his presentation:
- From June 15 to June 30 – Secondary schools teachers and Councillors will begin preparations for the C-SEC/CXC exams and pre-planning for the reopening of the new school year.
- June 15 to June 30 – Students are to return to school to prepare for the CXC exams in Belize.
- June 22 to June 31 – ITVET teachers and Councillors are to return to begin preparations for the start of the new school year.
- July 13 to August 4 – CXC and CAPE exams to be administered.
- August 3 to August 7 – All levels of teachers for primary and secondary schools to return and prepare for the new school year.
- August 10, 2020 – School resumes for the 2020-2021 school year for the preschool, primary and secondary levels.
- August 24, 2020 – School resumes for the 2020-2021 school year for ITVET.
- The Belize Diagnostic Assessment Test (BDAT) will be administered upon the reopening of school, within the first few weeks, to determine where students are in relation to the primary level of education required.
- Since the Primary School Examination (PSE) was not administered to the class of 2019-2010 Standard 6 students, it will be administered to all 1st form students upon the reopening of school in August, within the first few weeks, to determine learning needs and to conduct effective development programs.
- All schools are expected to develop learning continuity plans in the event of another forced closure of schools.
- The last Friday in June another home-based learning package will be made available at https://resource.moe.gov.bz/.
The Minister of Education assured the public that a set of guidelines on the use of face masks and face coverings will be determined upon the reopening of schools.
The Ministry urges parents or volunteers to make time to assist in their local schools with disinfecting, cleaning, purchasing of disinfectant material, and laying of social distancing markers in preparation for the reopening of schools in August. If you or someone you know are interested in providing assistance kindly contact the Ministry Officials at +501-615-7402 or +501-615-7599.
The Ministry of Education informed the public that they will be hosting the first National Virtual Graduation for Secondary School students where they will be honoring top scorers across the country. The ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 7, Love FM, Krem TV and Wave TV on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
The Ministry reminds the public that these dates can fluctuate as time progresses and the conditions under COVID-19 change. Stay up to date with the facts on the Ministry of Education‘s website and releases from the Belize Press Office.
