The academic journey of Genesis Academy is one which has always sought to focus on the holistic development of our intellectually challenged students. The administration’s strategic plan guides the efforts of its staff in maintaining a high standard of excellence in academics and vocational skills training.
Some of the objectives include:
Excellent Academic & Vocational Skills Achievement
The administration through analysis of standardized assessment instruments in reading and mathematics determines the grade level placement of each child, regardless of their chronological age. The results form the basis on the child’s annual Individual Intervention Plan (IIP), and are used to determine what actions need to be taken to improve, encourage or reinforce student’s performance. Vocational training is an integral of our programme, and as early as age 15, students are assessed and enrolled in one of the school’s HEART/NTA certified vocational skills. These include Data Operations and Commercial Food Preparation at Level 1. Art & Craft is also offered as an alternative skills training. Well-rounded individuals, leaders and productive citizens.
The curricular outside the standard classroom is geared towards the spiritual, cultural and physical development of the students. This aspect of the strategic plan focuses on students’ involvement in co-curricular activities and the various programmes offered by the school. Curriculum Based on the cognitive level of the child, our teachers will access any of the 2 curricula approved by the Ministry of Education.
These include: Special Education Curriculum – This curriculum was introduced by the Ministry in 2015 and is used for our moderate to severely challenged children and provides instructions in (5) strands, namely; Language & Communication, Life Skills, Mathematics, Physical Education and Science.
National Standards Curriculum – Grades 1-6, 7-8
The Ministry’s National Standards Curriculum (NSC) was rolled out in 2016-17 and fully implemented in academic year 2017-18. Principal disciplines taught at the primary level include Language, Mathematics, Integrated Students (Gr. 1-3), Social Studies, and Science (Gr. 4.6) and Religious Education. Some of our students, (slow learners) have the capacity to engage at the Grade 7 & 8 levels and are prepared for integration to mainstream high schools. Enrichment programmes include instructions in; Music; Swimming; Food and Nutrition; Art & Craft, Physical Education; Health and Family Life Education and Male & Girls’ Empowerment programmes to supplement the introduction to the academic disciplines.
City and Guilds and CSEC
The National Education Inspectorate in its 2014 report identified the following key strengths in the work of the school which was given a rating of 4/5:
- Strong leadership and management team in place to initiate and support the activities of the school.
- Expansive opportunities for social learning for each student, including: co-curricular activities, life and vocational skills and the integration of technology in everyday activities.
- Secure, clean and safe environment provided for the students and all members of the school community.
- All students have an Individual Intervention Plan (IIP)Sound and consistent system of record keeping.
- Strong students’ participation in the school’s governance programme..
