CUL DE SAC:---- Seven sixth form students of St. Maarten Academy's CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) programme returned to St. Maarten on Saturday (April 25, 2015) after a week-long field trip to the Commonwealth of Dominica, which culminated with a visit to the Prime Minister, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit.
The visit to the Nature Isle was aimed at exposing the students and teachers to a myriad of experiences that meet their curriculum goals in Physics and Biology. Led by the school's Vice Principal Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, the group paid a courtesy call on Mr. Skerrit on Friday (April 24, 2015). During the hour-long visit, students and teachers engaged the politician in a discussion about educational opportunities in Dominica, the feasibility of geothermal energy, and future economic developments for his country.
His advice to them: "Set goals and work towards achieving them." He specifically stressed the importance of education, hinting at resuming talks soon with the Government of St. Maarten to provide more opportunities for St. Maarten scholars.
Apart from the seven CAPE students and the vice principal, the group also included CAPE Coordinator Ms. Roxanne Bloomfield, and Science teachers Mrs. Sujamol Pereppadan, Mr. Alberick Arrendell, and Ms. Karen Roberts, along with Information Technology instructor, Mr. Julian Mason. Additionally, other teachers and their children accompanied the team as a form of vacation, bringing the total number to 24.
During the week (April 18 – 25, 2015) they visited the island's geothermal facilities, plant and animal facilities, as well as the Business Training Centre where they were able to interact with other teachers and students involved in the CAPE programme. The students also toured the impressive Dominica State College, returning Thursday evening to enjoy the entertaining 'DSC Got Talent'.
CAPE was introduced at the sixth form level at the St. Maarten Academy in September 2014 and it is one of the programmes offered by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the main examining body of the school. The idea for the field trip to Dominica was conceptualized by the school's Biology teacher, Ms. Patricia Mendonca, who together with the CAPE Science students conducted a series of fund-raising events to cover travel expenses. Unfortunately, Mendonca fell ill a few days before travel and was replaced by Lucas-Felix, who had been organizing the Dominica end of the itinerary together with officials of Discover Dominica Authority.
Aside from the educational aspects of the trip, the students and teachers were able to explore and experience the wonders of Dominica. They were especially enthralled by sites featured in the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest', such as Calypso's hut, which is still standing on the banks of the Indian River. The scenic boat ride up the tranquil river also brought the group face to face with skeletal props used in the movie, and its breathtaking flora and fauna.
Other places of interest visited were Trafalgar Falls, Tia's Sulphur Spa, Emerald Pool, Sultan Falls, and Scott's Head in the south where the group was able to view both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea while standing on a narrow strip of land.
History also came alive with a visit to Kalinago Barana Aute (Carib territory), where students and teachers were able to tour a Carib demonstration village and participate in a fishing dance with members of the Kalinago Dance Troupe.
Principal, Drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool said she was happy that St. Maarten Academy is moving in the right direction, giving students new experiences, which will help in the education of the whole child.
She expressed gratitude to the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) School Board under which St. Maarten Academy falls, which paid for accommodations in Dominica; and the Parent Teacher Foundation (PTF), supported by the school's Interact Club, which sponsored a car wash to raise funds.
Baly-Vanterpool was also grateful to the many companies that came on board to support the venture, in particular Xerox, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), Sunny Foods Supermarket, Afoo Supermarket, Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco N.V., Goddard's Catering Group, Telem Group of Companies, WINAIR, First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC), Elle-Si-Belle .N.V., Gulf Insurance, and Blue Point, and Office 1 Super Store.
