Minister for Education Sen. Milton Scott last night announced plans to reform the middle school curriculum following an external evaluation.

The study, known as the Gatewood report, was carried out by experts from the US, who identified a number of concerns and issues.

One of the most significant concerns was that of the curriculum.

However, Mr. Scott said the experts also praised the commitment and energy shown by staff and administrators in the middle school system, who have steered the pupils along since the new system was introduced three years ago.

He said: "In response to the report, we have decided that as of September, 2001, middle school students should do no more than nine subjects, including reading, per year.

"This will respond to many of the issues raised by the Gatewood report. It will make the curriculum less full, students will be required to do fewer courses and the number of encore classes will be scaled back.

"The Ministry has written to principals today on this issue, inviting them to join a committee to ensure that this can be introduced in the most effective and efficient way possible.

"We recognise that this will impact on schools in a number of ways, including in terms of scheduling and use of facilities."

And he said the Ministry was also asking for support from parents and the community when it starts to implement the plan in the next school year.

Sen. Scott added: "I believe that, by working together and by recommitting to the goals and philosophy of the middle school system, we can achieve a world-class system of middle schools."

The Gatewood report found that the middle school curriculum was "traditional, fragmented and much less challenging than it should be''.

It also found:

the curriculum was overly full and often overwhelming for adolescents;

fewer courses and fewer concepts were needed but should be studied in greater depth;

encore classes needed scaling back; and

there was a need for students to make more connections across subjects so that they answer the important questions.

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