As the new academic year commenced on January 8, Minister of Education Dr Aishath Shiham proclaimed that all the preparations to reopen schools were smoothly accomplished this year.
Speaking exclusively to Mihaaru, the minister said, “74,000 students will be studying in this new academic year and all their needs have been accorded for while we commence the new year.”
When asked about the new methods introduced in this year, Minister Shiham noted the introduction of Key Stage 3 for Grade 7.
Since 2015, the Education Ministry has been introducing the new national curriculum stage by stage. Key Stage 1 was introduced in 2015, which is allocated for grades 1, 2, and 3. Key Stage 2 was introduced in 2016 for grades 4, 5 and 6. This year, to eliminate any difficulties for O’Level students, Key Stage 3 has been introduced for Grade 7.
In addition, Minister Shiham also highlighted the technological advancements introduced this year throughout the country.
“This year, we shall practise Virtual Learning, meaning that small scale schools will be provided with more information and interactive learning."
She also added that online learning will be introduced to TVET program, training pharmacists and nurses as well. Maldives Polytechnic is also practising the same online learning.
Furthermore, the minister stated that no schools will face the difficulty of not having sufficient number of teachers this year. She added that the arrangements have already been made to accommodate the absence of a teacher.
Total 7,700 teachers will be teaching all over the country, out of which 2,100 are expatriates. She declared that the government aims to increase training for teachers this year as well.
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