National Education Officer Felix Brown Outlines NPTA’s Plans for New Academic Calendar and Assessment Reforms

The Morning Rumble on Freedom 106.5 FM welcomed National Education Officer Mr. Felix Brown of the National Primary Teachers Association (NPTA) for an in-depth conversation about the association’s activities and upcoming changes in Trinidad and Tobago’s primary education system.

Continuing engagement during the school break

Despite the July–August vacation, the NPTA has kept its committees active. Brown confirmed that regular meetings are still being held and that a youth forum involving the Trinidad and Tobago Primary Schools (TTPS) is scheduled for September. The forum will bring together educators, parents and other stakeholders to discuss curriculum updates and student welfare.

School calendar and vacation length

When asked about the school calendar, Brown clarified that classes will resume on 7 September. He estimated that the summer break spans eight to nine weeks, roughly 8-9 weeks of downtime for pupils.

Introducing a new assessment model

A major focus of the interview was the forthcoming SCA (Secondary Certificate of Achievement) reform. The Ministry of Education is piloting a project-based assessment that will count for 30 percent of the overall SCA mark. Rather than a single high-stakes exam, students will compile a portfolio of work beginning in Standard 3, with profiles updated through Standard 5. The reform aims to reduce pressure on 11- to 13-year-old learners and to recognise multiple intelligences.

Parent outreach and curriculum tweaks

Brown explained that the NPTA, in partnership with the Ministry, will conduct workshops for parents to introduce the new assessment format and explain how it integrates subjects such as creative writing, mathematics and English. The Ministry’s CAD (Curriculum Advancement Development) program will support these efforts, ensuring that parents understand the shift from traditional exams to continuous profiling.

Safety concerns during holidays

The discussion also touched on child safety during the vacation period. Brown acknowledged parental apprehensions about children travelling, especially girls, and emphasized that safety remains a top priority for the NPTA and the Ministry alike.

Looking ahead

Concluding the interview, Brown expressed optimism that the upcoming initiatives—the youth forum, the SCA reform and the parent-education workshops—will foster a more supportive learning environment and better prepare students for secondary education.

The interview provided a clear roadmap of the NPTA’s objectives for the remainder of the year, highlighting collaborative efforts between teachers, the Ministry of Education and parents to modernise assessment and safeguard student wellbeing.