Sports, arts and more in Education Month, Continue reading “Sports, arts and more in Education Month”

Laughter and shouts filled the Multi-purpose Sports Complex on Friday as children in potato sacks hopped toward parents and teachers who were smiling and taking photos.

After crossing the finish line, each child received a gold medal as the next round of children took their place on the starting line.

The Pre-primary Games, which included ages 5 through 8, were among many activities ongoing throughout March for the government’s celebration of Education Month.

Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe told the Beacon on Friday that such physical activities are good for students because they teach coordination and sportsmanship.

“School isn’t always about books,” she said. “You have to learn about the social aspects as well — what to do when you win; what to do when you lose.”

She added that students should be taught such “important values” when they are young.

Since the launch of Education Month, children on Virgin Gorda and Anegada have already taken part in an early-childhood development book parade.

On Tortola, the book parade is scheduled for next Tuesday. Educators have also participated in events designed for them, such as the Exceptional Education Professional Development Session held on March 10 and a two-day Principal’s Leadership Conference on March 11 and 12.

Other activities are seeking to engage the public, such as a “Teach for a Day” programme held each Tuesday this month.

“If there’s a school — your favourite school, your grandchildren’s school, whatever it is — you can go directly to the school. They are waiting and willing to accommodate you,” Ms. Crabbe said during a March 2 press conference launching the month’s activities. “And while we have specific dates listed, we are open to welcome you whenever you are available. Go in and show your support for us — for education and for our teachers.”

She added that participants do not have to teach for the entire day. “If you just want to go in and teach one lesson, we welcome you as well,” she said at the time.

This week, the National Science Fair began at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, with 328 students from 27 schools participating.

The first two days were closed to the public, with judges from various fields — including engineering, science and education — scoring primary students’ projects on Tuesday and secondary students’ projects yesterday.

The fair, however, is open to the public today and tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. each day.