Education Ministry collaborates with UWI, CXC for “Teaching Caribbean Poetry”

poetryGeorgetown: The University of the West Indies (UWI), in collaboration with Cambridge University, United Kingdom (UK) is facilitating a project on Caribbean Poetry. The ultimate aim of the project is to enable teachers of the English language to help students develop a greater appreciation for poetry and engage the poetic texts offered in the CSEC syllabus. In light of the foregoing, the School of Education, UWI, Cave Hill, with cooperation from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), has made available to teachers of English at the secondary level and tertiary level, a short course on The Teaching of Caribbean Poetry. Fifty-five (55) teachers from secondary schools, the Curriculum Development Unit, Cyril Potter College of Education and the University of Guyana will participate in the workshop on The Teaching of Caribbean Poetry.

This course will introduce educators to a wide range of Caribbean poems. It is intended that participants will look at some key issues surrounding Caribbean poetry including choice of texts. Poets will also discuss the placement of Caribbean poetry on the CSEC syllabus and combat the widespread fear of teaching poetry. In addition, the workshop will also attempt to make links with Caribbean poets represented on the online Poetry Archive, explore the theme of environment and sustainability within the poetry, enrich teachers‘ understanding and by extension make Caribbean poetry a rewarding and exciting experience for our students. Overall, Participants will engage in discussions, strategies and activities aimed at developing their knowledge, understanding and skill in the teaching of Caribbean poetry.