Draft Policy Outline: Quality Public Education,
Antigua & Barbuda. 2004

Prepared by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Austin M Josiah.

General Policy for Public Education.

Antigua and Barbuda's Public Education System will pursue the general and specific goals and objectives as provided below:

(a) the establishment of a varied, relevant and comprehensive educational system that is characterised by excellence.

(b) the promotion of the education of the people of Antigua and Barbuda by the establishment of educational institutions for the purpose of fostering the spiritual, cultural, moral, intellectual, physical, social and economic development of the community.

(c) the framing of an educational policy designed to give effect to the purposes of national education.

(d) the effective execution of the educational policy of the Government; and

(e) the establishment of a co-ordinated educational system.

Without prejudice the specific goals and objectives which the Public Education System shall establish and pursue are -

(a) to encourage the development of the basic knowledge and skills in all persons, including -

(i) the skills of literacy, listening, speaking, reading, writing, numeracy, mathematics, analysis, problem solving, information processing, computing.

(ii) critical and creative thinking skills for today's world.

(iii) an understanding of the role of science and technology in society together with scientific and technological skills.

(iv) appreciation and understanding of creative arts.

(v) physical development and personal health and fitness; and

(vi) the creative use of leisure time.

(b) to develop self-worth through a positive educational environment.

(c) to promote the importance of the family and community.

(d) to provide opportunities to reach maximum potential.

(e) to promote the recognition, understanding and respect for the Constitution, laws and national symbols of the state.

(f) to develop an understanding of the principle of gender equality.

(f) to promote understanding of the history, language, culture, rights, and values of Antiguans and Barbudans and their changing role in contemporary society.

(h) to increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment of the state.

 

Introduction