Seychelles Partners in Learning Forum Winners

Congratulations to the Seychelles Partners in Learning Forum Winners

The 3rd annual Seychelles Partners in Learning Forum was held on 11 May 2012 at the School of Education, Mont Fleuri.

The aim of the forum is to recognize and reward innovative teachers who practice the elements of 21st century learning in their own classrooms, and then incorporate these skills into the student learning environment.

At the opening ceremony on Friday, the principal secretary for education, Merida Dlecy, said, “the focus for the development of 21st century learning is directed on empowering teachers to help every student realize their full potential.”

To help students realize their full potential schools should aim to create opportunities where students can share innovative ideas, projects and collaborate with peers in other schools.

She added that with the support of local partners, parents and the community the ministry of education can continue to provide schools with the necessary resources to help teachers and students succeed, guarantee access to up to date resources and continuing professional development and on line support.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Cyril Pillay, the head teacher of Plaisance primary school, made a short presentation on the school’s experience of embarking on the Pathfinder school programme, which is another initiative by Microsoft Partners in Learning programme.

During the forum the participating teachers were able to demonstrate and showcase the projects they have implemented at their schools that integrate ICTs and support 21st century learning.

The judging panel of nine which included teachers and head teachers from primary and secondary schools and education officers from the ministry of education spent three days going through the individual projects before the forum.  The final judging took place on Friday, where each participant spent time with the judges to answer questions and explain their projects.

The finalists were awarded certificates according to the six categories:

Use of ICT for learning - Asunta Julienne and Latifa Joseph from Plaisance primary school

Knowledge building and critical thinking - Natalie Duval from Beau Vallon Secondary school

Extending beyond the classroom - Marie-Chantale Nicole from Beau Vallon Secondary school

Teacher as the innovator and change agent - Elvina Brutus and Lynn Albert from Anse Aux Pins primary school

Collaboration - Myra Maria, Christelle Jacques, and Lindy Camille from Anse Etoile primary school

Structure, design and evidence of learning - Natalie Duval from Beau Vallon Secondary school

Tracy Constance from Plaisance primary school also received the judges’ award at the ceremony on Friday, whereas Plaisance primary school was awarded a trophy and cash prize sponsored by the office of the vice-president for the most outstanding performance and participation in the Partners in Learning programme.

Lynn Albert and Elvina Brutus from Anse aux Pins primary school, and Marie-Chantale Nicole from Beau Vallon secondary school were awarded second and third place among the 21 finalists at the awards.  They each received a certificate and a cash prize of three thousand rupees sponsored by SACOS and Vijay Construction.

Nathalie Duval from Beau Vallon secondary school was awarded first place for her project on Piracy: historical past; present threat; future impact.  She received a certificate and an IDEOS S7 slim tablet sponsored by Cable and Wireless Seychelles.

The innovative teachers who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the awards ceremony will represent Seychelles at the regional Middle East and Africa finals in Morocco.