The recent initiative by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to have Spanish language studies be mandatory in schools has been embraced by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). However, the union is now calling for concrete steps to ensure the successful implementation of this new initiative and stressing the importance of allocating the necessary human resources.
A circular, which was posted on MoE’s Facebook page stated that this initiative is expected to take effect from the Christmas Term 2023.
“This decision forms part of the vision of the Government of Guyana to provide students with a second language in keeping with the socio-cultural and linguistic realities that exist in the continent of South America”, the circular said.
Under the new mandate, Spanish language classes will be integrated into the curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. Students will be introduced to the basics of the language, including vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. The ministry further noted that the exposure of students to Spanish must not be purely academic and emphasis must be placed on students being able to converse in the language. A grade will be given at the end of the term.
While the decision has received widespread support from educators and language enthusiasts, some concerns have also emerged. GTU President Mark Lyte highlighted that mandating another subject could put additional pressure on teachers who are already facing a demanding academic workload. Additionally, questions have been raised about the availability of qualified Spanish teachers and resources needed to teach the subject.
“While we fully endorse the introduction of Spanish, we must ensure that we have the educators in place to provide quality instruction. Without proper resources, the mandate may fall short of its intended benefits.”
The GTU is calling on MoE to take action to address this issue. It proposed a comprehensive plan that includes recruiting qualified Spanish teachers and providing training and professional development opportunities for existing teachers interested in teaching Spanish. The union believes that by proactively addressing these concerns, the MoE can ensure the success of this mandatory addition to the curriculum.
In addition to concerns about resources, teachers who have chosen to remain anonymous have also stressed the importance of adequate classroom materials and support systems. They have urged the MOE to invest in up-to-date textbooks, learning materials, and technology to facilitate effective language instruction.
In the circular seen by this newspaper and signed by Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, headteachers are being advised to expose students from Grade 1 to 4 to Spanish during the core periods every week, while Grade 5 students will do the subject for at least one 30-minute period per week.
Grade 6 students will be required to do the subject after sitting the National Grade Six Assessment examination.
Secondary school students from grades 7 to 9 will be mandated to do Spanish as a foreign language. However, if a student intends to sit another language at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in Grade 10, then the student may request to be exempted from the subject, with permission from the school.
Additionally headteachers will be required to conduct staff rationalisation to identify teachers who are capable of teaching Spanish within the school.
