Times of the Islands Summer 2016

Students are taught responsibility and through the School
Council have a say in the development of the school—
including areas to be expanded, resources to be bought,
and even, initially, in choosing their school uniform!
Mr. Dunbavand notes that as part of the school’s
ongoing development they are opening a Year 6 for
September 2016. “Our students come to us from many
different primary schools and therefore, have very different
prior learning experiences. Our Year 6 would enable
us to help them all become more independent learners so
they are more fully prepared for the academic challenges
ahead and provide a smooth transition into Year 7.”
My visit to the British West Indies Collegiate on
Venetian Road made it clear why parents and students
strive to attend. It is the only school of its kind in Turks &
Caicos offering an International Advanced (A) Level program
that provides the necessary qualifications for access
to university. This allows Belongers and other residents to
complete their secondary education will remaining in the
Islands. It encourages young people to return to TCI after
completing university, able and willing to contribute to
the country’s future development. The school also plays
a vital role in attracting key workers from abroad.
BWIC’s stated goal is to “provide our students with a
progressive academic education in a safe and stimulating
environment, place them in the best possible universities
worldwide, and will them to become young citizens with a
responsible, honest, and altruistic character and respect
for the world in which we live.” The 12 acre campus contains
well equipped classrooms, a science block with
separate laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics,
a large IT lab, a huge library, an art room, a dedicated
music room, and Brayton Hall, a state-of-the-art auditorium.
The school also makes use of the National Stadium
at its flank for track and field and other sporting events.
The not-for-profit BWIC, which opened its doors in
1993, has been run by the formidable Principal Sylvie
Wigglesworth since 1995 (she now attends to the education
of the children of former students!) A no-nonsense
administrator, Principal Wigglesworth is obviously
respected (with a touch of fear) by students and teachers,
but I sense a kind, caring soul who only wants the best
for all. In fact, to date the BWIC has a 100% success rate
for securing university places for students completing the
Advanced Level program, with no dropouts from university
programs in its history.
Admission to BWIC in Years 6 or 7 requires that
students take the collegiate’s entrance exam, with top
performers following up with an interview. Successful
From top: Part of the mission of the British West Indies Collegiate
(BWIC) is promoting fellowship, co-operation, and a sense of loyalty.
BWIC student Achsah Wildish (far right) is recognized with an
Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award – Top of the World AS-Level
Mathematics.
The BWIC’s new music room, adjacent to the auditorium, is fitted with
acoustic tiles and storage space for instruments. Here, a music class
is enthusiastically led by Branford Handfield.
DAPHNE ROOTS
Times of the Islands Summer 2016 45