The Ministry of Education has selected two secondary schools to initiate a pilot program aimed at extending school hours for two days each week.

Director of Education Clare Browne announced that Glanville’s Secondary and Sir Novelle Richards Academy (SNRA) have been chosen for this initiative.

Browne clarified that the decision was influenced by two key factors: first, the goal of evaluating the program in a smaller environment, specifically Glanvilles, which has 160 students, in conjunction with a larger institution like SNRA, which has over 500 students. Second, the chosen schools already foster a culture of after-school activities, which is anticipated to help mitigate potential challenges.

An example of such activities is the driver’s education program offered at SNRA on Fridays in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board.

Browne further clarified that the goal of extending school hours is not primarily academic but rather to provide students with opportunities to explore their creativity and talents through activities like music, pan, and guitar.

Discussions are currently underway with the Director of Culture, Khan Cordice, to help design suitable activities for these extended hours. Presently, the regular school day concludes at 1:30 PM, with plans for a half-hour recess before resuming activities at 2:00 PM, which will continue until 3:00 PM.

While no specific date has been announced for the program’s launch, Browne emphasized the significance of consulting key stakeholders—parents, teachers, and other interested groups—to secure their support for the initiative.

He underscored that the rollout will be gradual, requiring careful planning and backing before it commences formally.