University delivers Science teachers

25 November 2016, 12:00AM

More than 100 students will be conferred degrees, diploma and certificates at University of the South Pacific’s graduation in Apia today.

Being held at the E.F.K.S Youth Hall, the 23rd Chancellor, Prime Minister and Minister of Education for the Cook Islands, Henry Puna, will confer certificates, diplomas and degrees.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winston Thompson, will be officiating at the ceremony. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra will deliver the University Graduation address.

This year highlights the University’s commitment to the government of Samoa’s vision to provide more qualified ‘SCIENCE TEACHERS” for our schools which further emphasizes the University’s drive for flexibility in its learning and teaching. 

The University and government’s collaborative efforts for the improvement of Science teachers in Samoa’s classrooms was initiated in the form of the Science Teacher’s Accelerated Programme (S.T.A.P) – set up to fast track the Bachelor of Science Degree over a period of two years.

In this period with relevant credit transfers from their Diplomas – 60 Science Teachers were admitted to undertake studies towards a Bachelor of Science with the University in 2014. 

These teachers were fully funded by the government and have been studying for two years to achieve this degree. From this pilot initiative – four other Pacific Island countries will be launching their Science Teachers Accelerated Programmes for the very first time next year in Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and in Fiji.

Today, the government of Samoa together with the University celebrates the realisation of this vision. U.S.P commends the Government’s drive for a better education system for Samoa!

Two Police members will also graduate with the Certificate in Policing and one also with his Diploma in Police Management fully utilizing the sponsorship through the Samoa-Australia Police Partnership programme which has been spearheading the professional development of the Police force.

This year also sees a large number of graduates in the Master of Education - evidence that schools are continuing to encourage professional development which in return continues to benefit our education system.

The School of Agriculture and Food Technology also sees the completion of Postgraduate studies of three international students all the way from Jamaica, Belize and Papua New Guinea to add to a large number of students continuing to see the need to address our Pacific Nation needs in Agriculture.

Graduation this year will be screened LIVE by TV3 at 10.00am.

25 November 2016, 12:00AM

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