Streamlining Faculty Organization for Improved Performance and Informed Decision-Making
A Comprehensive Guide to Faculty Setup for Schools in Jamaica: Empowering Educators and Students with Zyqual
Discover how Zyqual's recommended faculty setup for Infant & Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form schools in Jamaica and the Caribbean can enhance educational performance, provide clarity, and promote informed decision-making for students, teachers, and educational institutions.
The educational landscape in Jamaica is diverse, and as such, schools across the country have different needs and requirements when it comes to setting up their faculties and departments. With the introduction of Zyqual, a platform designed to provide schools with the tools and resources to make informed decisions, we aim to streamline this process and provide a comprehensive guide for faculty setup. This guide will cover Infant & Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form schools and offer suggestions on how to place departments and subjects within faculties.
Purpose of this Guide
The main goal of this guide is to support schools in making informed decisions regarding faculty setup, as well as to provide a clear understanding of which subjects could fall under each department and faculty. By utilizing this guide, schools can ensure that they are well-organized and able to provide the best possible education for their students.
This guide will enable schools to generate accurate and informative faculty reports on Zyqual. These reports will provide crucial insights into the performance of different subject areas and help inform the decisions of teachers, students, schools, QEC, the Ministry of Education, and the JTC. Ultimately, this will ensure that resources and support are allocated effectively and efficiently, celebrating success and identifying areas that need improvement.
Faculty Setup for Schools
This guide is divided into three main sections, each focusing on a specific educational level: Infant & Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form. Each section provides a comprehensive list of suggested faculties, along with a description of their purpose and example subjects that could be included.
Infant & Primary Schools: This section covers faculties for young learners, ranging from Early Years/Foundation Stage (ages three to five) to Primary Upper School (grades 4-6). It includes suggestions for subjects in areas such as literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and inclusive learning.
Secondary Schools: This section covers faculties for students in grades 7-11, providing a diverse range of subjects, including languages, creative technologies, humanities, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Sixth Form: This section is dedicated to faculties for students in Year 12 and Year 13 of secondary school. It includes advanced-level subjects, as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) options.
Customization and Flexibility
We understand that not all schools will follow the recommended faculty setup, and some may have unique requirements. Zyqual's admin team is available to assist schools in adding new faculties that may be better suited to their specific needs. As the platform evolves, our AI will be able to distinguish between outliers and provide even more accurate and insightful reporting.
By providing a comprehensive guide for faculty setup, Zyqual aims to empower schools across Jamaica to make informed decisions and create an environment where students and educators can thrive. By working together, we can build a brighter future for education in our country and ensure that our students have access to the best possible opportunities for success.
| Faculty | Description | Example Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | This faculty focuses on business and management skills, as well as the use of technology to support these areas. Students learn about starting and running a business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. | Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, Workskills, Retail, Accounting, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship |
| Languages | Offers courses in various languages, including commonly taught and less commonly taught languages. Students learn about the culture, history, and literature of the language they are studying. | German, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, 'home' languages |
| Creative Technologies | Teaches students about the use of technology in creative fields, such as art, design, and media. Students learn to use software and hardware to create digital art, designs, animations, and other media. | Art, Textiles, Photography, Product Design, Food Technology, Design Technologies, Information Technology, Computer Science, Technical Drawing (Building & Mechanical), AutoCAD (Building & Mechanical) |
| English | This faculty focuses on the study of English language and literature, as well as improving students' literacy skills. Students in this faculty learn about literary analysis, creative writing, and effective communication. | English Language, English Literature, Literacy, Communication Studies, English A, English B |
| Humanities | Offers courses in subjects that explore the human experience, including history, geography, religion, and social science. Students in this faculty learn about past and present societies and cultures, as well as their own place in the world. | History, Geography, Religious Studies/Religious Education, Government and Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Extended Project, Caribbean Studies, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, Caribbean History |
| Inclusive Learning | Offers support for students who need extra help with their learning, including those with special educational needs, those who are learning English as an additional language, and those who need help with basic literacy and numeracy skills. Students receive individualized support to help them succeed academically. | Additional Support for Dyslexic and Non-Dyslexic Adults (ASDAN), Functional Skills, small group work in Literacy and Numeracy, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support |
| Mathematics | Teaches students about mathematical concepts and applications, including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. Students learn how to use math to solve problems and analyze data. | Maths, Further Maths, Numeracy, Pure Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Integrated Maths |
| Performing Arts | Offers courses in various performing arts, including drama, media studies, film studies, dance, and music. Students learn about the history and theory of the arts, as well as develop their performance skills. | Drama, Media Studies, Film Studies, Creative Media, Dance, Music, Visual and Performing Arts |
| Sciences | Teaches students about various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and applied science. Students learn about scientific concepts, methods, and applications. | Combined Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Applied Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, General Science |
| Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) | Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) | Offers courses that prepare students for careers in technical and vocational fields. Students learn practical skills related to their chosen career paths. | Agriculture Science, Auto Mechanics, Building and Construction, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Welding and Fabrication Technology, Business Studies, Home Economics, Family and Consumer Science, Entrepreneurship, Law, Management of Business, Industrial Techniques, Industrial Technology (Building, Electrical, Mechanical) Food Technology: Food preparation, nutrition, culinary techniques, and food safety. Clothing: Textile design, sewing techniques, garment construction, and fashion design. Home Economics: Cooking, nutrition, household management, personal finance, and consumer education. |
| Wellbeing | Focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of students, as well as preparing students for careers in health and social care, public services, and related fields. Students learn about fitness, nutrition, mental health, and other aspects of wellbeing, as well as develop practical skills related to their chosen career paths. | Physical Education (P.E.), Health and Social Care, Public Services, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), Citizenship, Health and Family Life Education |
| Human Ecology | A Human Ecology faculty can encompass a wide range of subjects that explore the complex relationships between humans and their environments. Human ecology explores topics such as human population dynamics, resource use and management, cultural and social adaptations to environmental changes, human impact on ecosystems, and the development of sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of both humans and the environment. | Environmental Science, Human Geography, Cultural Anthropology, Ecology, Sustainable Development, Conservation Biology, Environmental Policy, Climate Change, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sociology, Environmental Psychology, Agroecology, Environmental Economics, Environmental Education. |
| Faculty | Description | Example Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | This faculty typically refers to the educational program for children in their early years, usually from three to the age of five. In the Jamaican Education system, it refers to ages three to five years. | Literacy and Language Development, Mathematics and Problem Solving, Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, Understanding of the World (circle time activities), Physical Development (including Fine and Gross Motor Skills), Expressive Arts and Design (including Art, Music, and Drama) |
| Brain Builders | In the Jamaican system, this group refers to centers with a pre-kindergarten or Nursery and covers children ages two to three years. It sometimes overlaps the Infant school’s first class. | Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, Understanding of the World (circle time activities), Physical Development (including Fine and Gross Motor Skills), Beginning stages of Literacy and Numeracy |
| Primary Lower School | The Lower School faculty comprises the primary years for young children in grades 1-3. The focus of this faculty is on building a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy skills, as well as introducing children to a range of other subject areas. Students in this faculty learn through hands-on activities, play-based learning, and group work. | Literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), Numeracy, Integrated Studies (Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music) Health and Family Life Education. |
| Primary Upper School | The Upper School faculty comprises the primary years for older children in grades 4-6. The focus of this faculty is on building on the foundation of literacy and numeracy skills, as well as developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. Students in this faculty also learn about a wider range of subject areas and begin to prepare for the transition to secondary education. | Literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), Numeracy, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music, Health and Family Life Education, Information Technology, Spanish/French/German/Chinese, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (e.g., Business Studies, Home Economics). |
| Primary Inclusive Learning | The Primary Inclusive Learning faculty comprises a unit/section within a primary school that provides individualized support for students with special educational needs. The focus of this faculty is on providing a safe and nurturing environment for students with diverse learning needs, including those with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, as well as those with behavioral or emotional challenges. Students in this faculty receive individualized support to help them succeed academically and socially, as well as access to any necessary accommodations or modifications to their learning environment or materials. | Literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), Numeracy, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music, Health and Family Life Education, Additional Support for Dyslexic and Non-Dyslexic Adults (ASDAN), Functional Skills, small group work in Literacy and Numeracy, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, Individualized Education Plan (IEP)-based instruction. |
| Creative Expressions and Enrichment | This faculty focuses on providing students with opportunities to develop their creativity and engage in enrichment activities that complement the core curriculum. Students in this faculty explore a variety of artistic, musical, and performance-based disciplines, as well as participate in clubs, competitions, and other extracurricular activities. | Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Creative Writing, Debate and Public Speaking, Clubs (e.g., Chess, Robotics, Environmental, Culture and Heritage), School Choir, Instrumental Lessons, Talent Shows, Competitions (e.g., Spelling Bee, Math Olympiad, Science Fair) |
| Faculty | Description | Example Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Sixth Form Lower | This faculty is for students in Year 12 of secondary school, and provides advanced instruction in a variety of subjects, often in preparation for higher education or specialized vocational training. | Advanced Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies, History, Geography, Government and Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Law, English Literature, Caribbean Studies, Spanish, French, German, Information Technology, Communication Studies, Environmental Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Food and Nutrition, Home Economics. |
| Sixth Form Upper | This faculty is for students in Year 13 of secondary school and builds on the instruction provided in the lower sixth form. It typically culminates in advanced-level examinations or vocational qualifications. | Advanced Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies, History, Geography, Government and Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Law, English Literature, Caribbean Studies, Spanish, French, German, Information Technology, Communication Studies, Environmental Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Food and Nutrition, Home Economics. |
| Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) | This faculty focuses on preparing students for careers in technical and vocational fields, and includes practical, hands-on learning experiences that develop specific skills and competencies related to different career paths. | Agricultural Science, Auto Mechanics, Building and Construction, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Welding and Fabrication Technology, Entrepreneurship, Management of Business. |
| Wellbeing and Personal Development | This faculty focuses on the personal development and wellbeing of students, providing courses that address life skills, mental health, and physical wellness. | Health and Family Life Education, Physical Education, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), Citizenship, Life Skills, Stress Management, Conflict Resolution, Leadership and Team Building. |
Acting Vice Principal - St. Richards Primary
Antoinette Wyatt
As the Acting Vice Principal at St. Richards Primary, I can confidently say that Zyqual has been a game-changer for us. The platform has made it incredibly easy for us to carry out our lesson observations and appraisals, and the data we collect has been invaluable in helping us support our teachers and students. I highly recommend Zyqual to any school looking to enhance their teaching and learning processes.
Zyqual
As a dedicated leader with a background in computer science and education, I am committed to transforming education through innovative technology solutions. As CEO of Zyqual Ltd, I have led a team that has revolutionized the way schools in Jamaica approach teaching and learning. With the Zyqual platform, we have helped schools across Jamaica improve student outcomes and teacher engagement by providing an intuitive and customizable solution that streamlines lesson planning, grading, and collaboration. As a computer science teacher and education technology enthusiast, I bring a deep understanding of both the technical and pedagogical aspects of our solution. This allows me to lead a team of certified trainers who provide personalized support to schools and ensure that they are getting the most out of Zyqual. I am always looking for new opportunities to collaborate and make a difference in education. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to transform teaching and learning for the better.
