Work on first STEAM school to advance in 2024-25

Designs for the first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) school are expected to be completed in the new financial year and the necessary approvals obtained for construction, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) is reporting.

These measures will be facilitated under Phase II of the Education System Transformation Programme, for which a sum of $300 million has been allocated in the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

Six STEAM schools will be constructed across the island, with the first slated to be established in St Ann.

The funds allocated under the Education System Transformation Programme II will also go towards promulgating the STEAM Education Policy and identify additional lands to build out and develop an information and communications technology (ICT) strategy and requirement plan.

Implemented in April 2022, the Education System Transformation Programme has the objective of advancing the modernisation of the education sector and to build on the initiatives already executed. It is expected to conclude in March 2030.

The National Education Trust Limited (NET) is the implementing agency for the programme.

Meanwhile, a sum of $108 million has been earmarked for the improvement of teaching practices and learning conditions in secondary education, under the Jamaica Education Project (JEP).

During the 2024/25 fiscal year, work will be undertaken to develop pre- and in-service training modules for secondary teachers and principals, teacher guides for grades seven to nine and guidance notes on the pathways mechanism used in secondary schools.

A system assessment will also be undertaken to define the requirements for the education management information system (EMIS), and staff will be recruited for the project implementation unit.

The Ministry of Education and Youth is the implementing agency for the project, which commenced in November 2023 and will conclude in November 2029.