A scientific approach to the development of curriculum has led to the building out of a national literacy curriculum. 

It’s thanks to the combined efforts of the Barbados Community College’s Curriculum Development Officer, (CDO) Sasha Goodridge and Samuel Jackman Prescod’s (SJPI) Curriculum Development/Industrial Liaison Officer Sabrina Weeks and their team of tertiary-level educators.

The curriculum is currently being taught to students in the Barbados Construction Gateway Training Initiative (BCGTI), with plans already being made to utilise it in upcoming programs.

Designed to meet the needs of all applicants, the curriculum enhances students’ communication skills while addressing the needs of those with limited educational opportunities or experience with the English language.

Ms. Weekes explained that while time was limited, they accomplished their goals for the curriculum and are closely monitoring its impact to determine if any adjustments need to be made, hoping that the SJPI and BCC have more opportunities to work together in the future.

Meanwhile, Goodridge and her team have helped develop and review BCC’s curriculum for many successful years, ensuring they align with their programmes objectives and equip students with current skills.

“It may seem slow and arduous, but we are ensuring that quality is maintained.”

The CDO added that they regularly get feedback from employers to ensure the curriculum reflects the practices and needs of the industry it aims to train students to work in.

The college’s inclusion in the training initiatives is in line with its mission to meet the developmental, educational and training needs of Barbados and puts the institution another step closer to its goal of becoming a world-class centre of excellence in education and training.