Grammar component to be modified during curriculum reform

As consultations continue into the reformation of the current school curriculum to focus more on the needs of the education sector, Education Minister Nicolette Henry announced that there was a high chance of grammar being one of the restructured components of the new syllabus.

She explained that there were various ways of reintegrating grammar into the classroom to be more effective. These might include the idea of singling out the subject as a separate component.
“It may very well be and I can say from where I stand, more than likely, grammar will be a part of what will be restructured and maybe thoughts of how it can be reintegrated in a different way that could be more effective. If that means putting grammar as a separate subject in school, then so be it. But at this point in time, it will come out of that curriculum reform and that is going to take a very holistic approach,” the Minister stated.
So far, Minister Henry indicated that the concept of individualising the subject would not be addressed singularly but rather during consultations for the entire reformation of the curriculum.
“We’re looking at the whole issue of language and I think you may be doing and literary is one of the areas that we’re focusing on. Grammar is part of that. I personally don’t find favour with piecemeal approach,” she noted.
“I think I would look at it in a more holistic way. That’s why we’re having this extensive curriculum reform and so where the gaps and efficiencies are, it is our intention that we’ll be able to address it in a more holistic way,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, it was related that curriculum reform was a complicated issue and would take some time before it was completed. As of now, the consultations have just begun and it would take almost a year before the findings were organised.
“Curriculum reform is not one of those fly-by-night activities and we got a grant to do the curriculum reform. It’s going to take us more than a year to get the documents in place.”
When the curriculum is completed, it will be introduced to institutions across Guyana and is expected to cater for students at all levels.
The consultations were conducted with nine Canadian consultants from the Saint Francis Xavier University and the Mindbloom School, who have been collecting information from educators and schools in various regions across Guyana.
At that time, it was noted that Guyana depended heavily on the assistance of outsiders, who were not as effective as an internal guide. The curriculum will be modified to suit the needs of Guyana’s children.
Several consultations were held over the past months with public and private institutions so as to provide equal opportunities for all students. After the information has been gathered, the team will be returning to Guyana in July to continue work.
Some of the areas that will be covered include special syllabuses for special needs students.