At a time when the Ministry of Education is publicly addressing the matter of educational reform and the discussion is centred on the need to focus on education in technology to boost Barbados’ development, Combermere School is in the forefront of this effort and has been making significant strides in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology.
The Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology course has proven to be an excellent driver of success. In this programme, students are introduced to the rapidly advancing field of Robotics, Coding and Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality.
In 2020, there were eight CSEC Grade Ones with the other students all passing with Grade Twos. Furthermore, at the CAPE level where Robotics and Advanced Electronics are covered in detail, six out of 10 students received Merits and placed in the top ten in the Caribbean, in CXC exams.
These students placed as follows in the Caribbean CXC Merit list: Donte Payne (first); Jemuel Miller (second); Brandon Ruck (third); Sheradeane Grant-Cadogan (fourth); Primus Walrond (fifth) and Andre Applewhaite (seventh).
A huge part of this success is the zeal and enthusiasm of Matthew Douglas, whose passion is evidently a catalyst for these outstanding performances. While talking to him, one can hear his ideas overflowing and he has a clear vision of where he is going with the programme and how he will get there.
Douglas attributed the success of the programme to a bold new step made by Vere Parris, the former Principal, just over 14 years ago. He explained: “The vision for The Combermere School to be a leader in technology stemmed from a conversation between former principal and Combermerian, Vere Parris, and myself.”
What make this recent news about the performance of students so special, is the fact that Combermere has dominated this category of CXC studies in a very emphatic way on the Caribbean scene.
What is important, too, is that Combermere is grooming responsible citizens who will drive future development in technology in Barbados.
Joseph Maynard, principal and past student of Combermere School, noted that he was very pleased with the students in various areas where they have excelled academically.
“I am very proud of them because I have always said that they have the ability to do well at Combermere.
“My concern is that the school has been considered for quite some time as underperforming, and the reality is that our students have done well and are continuing to do well. What is significant as well is that our students have not only excelled in academic subjects, but our students have also been involved in extracurricular activities. So, it has been a good blend of academics and non-academic activities,” Maynard said.
Indeed, not only have some of the students excelled in academic pursuits, but some have served their school with pride and passion and have contributed greatly to the ethos of Combermere. Brandon Ruck has represented the school in Basketball.
Andre Applewhaite was judged the Best Senior player in football and is currently representing the senior Barbados Football team in World Cup qualifying matches.
Jemuel placed second in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology; played cricket for his school; and represented his school in the Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump qualifying for CARIFTA in 2019 and 2020 in Triple Jump.
He, like his friends, represents the true Combermere spirit. He has secured himself a four-year Athletic Scholarship at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, commencing August 2021. While at UTSA, Jemuel will represent the university in the triple jump and long jump.
Douglas expressed pride at the achievements of his students and of Combermere School.
“It is possible to carve a niche by utilising Robotics accompanied by the concomitant development of the manufacturing sector with innovation and intellectual property as leaders in the way forward.”
He maintained that it was therefore necessary to sharpen the focus on expanding the curriculum with technology-oriented subjects in the Electrical and Industrial Technological subject areas which can be the key for Barbados not only to survive but thrive on the global stage. (PS)
