Times of the Islands Summer 2016

CLAIRE PARRISH
Grade 6 students at the International School at Leeward are being well-prepared for the upcoming GSAT.
the school sports playgrounds, outdoor courts and a
stage, along with a brand-new 25 meter training pool—
the first of its kind on the Islands. Having such an array of
activities, Mrs. Saunders says, encourages students with
a broad range of skills.
Of the upcoming GSATs, Mrs. Saunders says,
“Children are both anxious and excited about the test.
Our Grade 6 students are being prepared with sample
tests and daily essays.” The students we questioned
agreed with her assessment, and said while they would
be glad when the exam was over, they did feel ready.
For the 2016 Fall semester, the school plans to add
a grade 7 to accommodate their students’ needs. Vice
Principal Saunders explains, “These are still children who
like to play on the playground and interact with their
friends. We want to offer them a comfortable setting
where they can grow and mature into the more challenging
high school level.”
Alison Williams is director and founder of Provo
Primary School, a colorful, art-filled collection of buildings
tucked next to the Graceway Sports Centre in the
island’s mid-section. Alison opened the school in 1991
as a pre-school—Headstart Learning Centre—which soon
become a primary school, moving to its current location
in 2003, with enrollment growing over the years from 2
students to 165 today! Principal Sian Jones took over the
daily operation of the school in 2009.
The much-beloved school offers a UK-based,
child-centered curriculum in a nurturing, caring environment.
Ms. Williams explains, “We encourage our
children to be problem-solvers and creative thinkers and
our hands-on, investigative approach to learning has led
to extremely high levels of achievement. Over the past
five years, we have consistently seen top places awarded
to our children in their post-primary school placement
test. This is a direct result of our teaching methods
and excellent staff.” The topic-based, creative curriculum
links subjects through central themes that classes
explore together, thus applying skills through meaningful
research, investigation, reasoning, and inquiry.
Provo Primary has always been well known for its Arts
Program and the children put on outstanding Christmas
shows each year. Having studied music to degree level,
Alison understands the importance of teaching Music
in primary school. She introduced steel drums to Turks
& Caicos in 1989 and the children enjoy playing in the
Provo Primary Steel Drum Band. The school has two qualified
Dance and Theater Arts teachers and sports also
plays a huge part in the school. Alison explains, “We are
extremely lucky to have all the sports facilities right at
our doorstep. We use Graceway Sports Centre once a
week and also access the FIFA soccer pitch, the tennis
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