Presentation of Seychelles

 Providing for the diversity of educational needs and national development priorities  1.1Reform the Structure and Curriculum of Secondary Schools to better meet the diverse needs of students and the national economy.  1.1.1Approval of Cabinet Memorandum on Reform the Secondary School Structure & Curriculum in September  1.1.2Approval of Cabinet Memorandum on Implementation of Phase One of Secondary Curriculum (TVET) in December  1.1.3Implementation of Phase One TVET  1.1.4Formulation of National Curriculum Framework (In Progress).  1.1.5Formulation of National Assessment Framework (In Progress).  Introduction of New Subject Options for Secondary schools in  Piloting of Records of Achievements in S1-S3 in  Cabinet Information Note on CCATS (Centre for Curriculum, Assessment and Teacher Support) in September  Establishment of CCATS in December

 1.2 Review the Early Childhood Curriculum to Increase Focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills Taking into Account the Economic and Social Advantages of Trilingualism.  1.2.1Consultancy on Language Policy in  1.2.2Introduction of Creole Reading Scheme in Crèche 01/P1 in  1.2.3Introduction of New English Reading Scheme “Jolly Phonics” in Primary in  1.2.4Approval of the Early Childhood Care at Education Framework in September  Establishment of the Early Childhood Institute in August 2012  1.2.6Draft Policy on Inclusion in  1.2.7Procured new English Reading Scheme for Primary 3 to Primary 6 students

 1.2.8Re-introduction of the Special Needs Education Section in 2013  1.3Rationalise Higher Education and Training Provision (in collaboration with relevant partners) to make them more responsive to the needs of the labour market, and ensure coherence and optimal use of resources within a higher education framework Enactment of Tertiary Education Act (2011) in November Establishment of University of Seychelles (UniSey) in September Establishment of Tertiary Education Commission in April Cabinet Memorandum on Transformation of SALS (School of Advanced studies) in September

 1.4 Undertake an Overhaul of the Government Scholarship Scheme.  1.4.1Approval of Revised Scholarship Scheme by Cabinet in August  2.0 Guaranteeing quality education in schools  2.1Establish a school support and evaluation system at the Education headquarters to ensure that the quality and standards of education is maintained within a framework for continuous improvement. Support shall be given to schools to prepare for school inspection.  2.1.1Approval of Memorandum on New Model for School Inspection in November  2.1.2Establishment of Inspectorate Unit in 2009 and Implementation in  2.1.3Cabinet Information Note Implementation of New Inspectorate Model in  2.1.4Inspectorate Common Framework- Looking at Our School- Effective Self Evaluation through Collaborative Partnerships adopted in

 3.0 IMPROVING QUALITY OF TEACHERS  3.1Reinforce the National Institute of Education (NIE) (within the context of the University of Seychelles) and refocus its role to develop a coherent (pre-and-in-service) teacher training and professional development programme which empowers the teacher to meet the ever changing demands of the profession and emerging trends in education.  Integration of NIE as School of Education of UniSey in January   Note: Cabinet decision to delink School of Education from UniSey and to establish a new Teacher Education Centre in November

 4.0 Improving the governance of educational institutions  4.1Restructure and downsize the HQ administration to focus on  (i) strategy, policy and planning  (ii) quality, curriculum development and assessment and  (iii) resources, infrastructure and support services: and supported by two statutory authorities:  Seychelles Qualifications Authority and  Further and Higher Education Authority (under which all higher education institutions would be regulated).  Adjustments to Ministry of Education Organigram (Latest in 2013). Note:  Further & Higher Education Authority now Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) 7

 4.2Provide Greater Autonomy to Schools with a view for them to become more result-oriented within a transparent and accountable framework.  Cabinet approval of Memorandum on New Governance Model for Schools in September  Publication of Improving the Governance Handbook in August  Gazetting of School Council Regulations.  4.2.3Launching of School Councils in

 5.0 Creating responsible and empowered students  5.1Review and Strengthen the pastoral care system of schools and post- secondary institutions to foster self-development and empower students and others to become responsible, caring co-operative members of their schools, homes and society.  5.1.1Approval of new Pastoral Care System Memorandum, October  5.1.2Revised Code of Conduct for Primary & Secondary, June  Revised Whole-School Behaviour Management Policy January  5.1.4Implement new management structures to support the new Pastoral Care System

 Creating responsible and empowered students (contd)  5.1.5Creole version of the new Student Code of Conduct in  5.1.6Launching of Students Association in  5.2 Review and strengthen the citizenship education program in all educational institutions to promote social cohesion, the spirit and practice of volunteerism, national unity and international understanding and peace.  5.2.1Introduction of Civic Education in Primary and Secondary in 2012 and Post Secondary in

 5.2 Review and strengthen the citizenship education program in all educational institutions to promote social cohesion, the spirit and practice of volunteerism, national unity and international understanding and peace.  Introduction of Civic Education in Primary and Secondary in 2012 and Post Secondary in  PRESENT ENGAGEMENT: Development of Education Sector Medium Term Strategy

 Seychelles has no OER policy but has been involved in the Open schooling project.  In 2008, Seychelles joined five other countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago and Zambia to develop Open Education Resources for COL Open Schooling project.  Seychelles worked on science and life skills units.  All countries successfully developed print and online courses hosted in the learning management system Moodle. 12

 While our Education system and Education Policy make provisions for education for all students, our venture into the Open Schooling Project is unique:  It will be used in our conventional school system mainly to address shortages of teachers.  It will also help learners to develop a sense of independent learning.  It will provide opportunities for parents to be more involved in the learning process of their children.  In the long run as lifelong learners, parents might even enrol for the courses themselves as the OERs will also be used to offer second chances to one and all.  The use of OERs ensures harmonised instruction and comparable quality of provision. 13

 A regional OER Policy will  harmonise OERs across countries.  encourage student mobility between institutions within and countries.  Increase sharing and exchange of expertise/experiences of OER/ODL across countries.  Note : There is a need to harmonise and integrate OER and ODL policies. 14

Thank you for your attention 15