Ashlea Edwards (left) received awards for her outstanding results in CAPE from Dr. Marva Lashley.
Khaleel Kothdiwala received the Asish Malesu Memorial Prize for outstanding results in CSEC, top male student in CSEC History, very good work in CSEC Economics and a prize for excellence in debating from Clare Williams.
Principal of QC, Dr. David Browne as he delivered the principal’s report.
Successful marriage of technical, vocational and academic education
Principal of Queen’s College, Dr. David Browne was proud to announce that the St. James institution had successfully intertwined technical, vocational and academic education for the benefit of the students.
Dr. Browne announced this as he delivered the Principal’s report during the institution’s Speech Day Wednesday evening.
Under the period of review, the principal noted that the roll out of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification proved successful.
“This is no coincidence but the result of a systematic approach involving a committed staff, interested students, industry partners and the drive of a CVQ coordinator who continues to push the benefits of a marriage of competency based and academic achievement,” he said.
“Rather than hinder achievement, the introduction of CVQs to Queen’s College has served to enhance the overall preparation of students by providing greater opportunities for them to participate in practical, industry standard applications related to the theory being delivered in class. Our approach therefore speaks to an integration of the CVQ into the established curriculum with creative ways being used to build and gather evidence of competency,” he added.
The Principal went on to note that the teachers of the institution took education seriously, and as such embarked on a Caribbean Ideal Person concept in 2011.
He explained that with this programme, they have identified more than 35 attributes that they hope to develop their graduates, among these are Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Analytical Engagement, Solutions Outlook, Self Confidence and Self Respect.
While he commended the hard work of the students, and was proud of their successes, he noted that their intention at QC was not to create perfect persons, but to help shape the Caribbean ideal person, which was conceptualised by the CARICOM Heads of Government.
“We are playing our part in producing citizens of the future who will create wealth, transmit our cherished values from generation to generation and hold our social fabric together, so that Barbados and the wider Caribbean region would remain a zone of peace largely free of crime, violence and lawlessness,” he said.