Middle and senior school teachers are collaborating on developing the new Senior Seminar course for Year 9 students.
Education Reform Team Leader Lisa DeSilva shared, “This initiative, still a work in progress, reflects a shared commitment with teachers and school leaders to provide students with a strong foundation of transferable skills that support both academic success and personal growth.”
The forthcoming Senior Seminar aims to prepare students for the demands of Senior School. The course will equip Year 9 students with essential academic, organisational, and social-emotional skills necessary for success in the classroom and beyond.”
Course components have four modules:
- Academic Planning – Students will build strong organisational routines, learn to manage their time well for schoolwork, and develop planning habits that they can use.
- Executive Functioning –Students will reflect on their work habits, make changes to boost their productivity and self-control, use strategies to stay organised and focused and make better decisions in their learning.
- Mind, Body and Soul – Students will build positive relationships, communicate effectively, understand how their values shape their choices, and recognise the link between well-being and academic success.
- Digital Literacy – Students will use digital tools to learn, collaborate and create while building safe, responsible online habits that support their future in school, work and life.
The Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, shared: “As previously announced, current M2 students will not physically move to the senior school site in 2025. However, they will remain at their respective middle school sites and complete a Y9 Senior programme. Parish schools Year 8 students will transfer to a middle school site in September 2025 to complete the Y9 Senior programme.
“The modules included in the senior school seminar will offer interactive lessons, practical strategies, and consistent support to help students confidently navigate the challenges and opportunities of Senior School.”
Ms. DeSilva added, “We commended the dedication of the course development teams. Following a productive professional development held on April 17, the teachers agreed to continue to meet regularly, even on weekends, to ensure the program’s quality and relevance. As with all teachers working on reform after hours and weekends, they receive remuneration for their work. Their ongoing collaboration reflects a deep commitment to delivering a meaningful, well-rounded course that will benefit students for years to come.”
The Education Reform Unit looks forward to sharing further updates as the work progresses.