Summer School Programme Supports Over 300 Students Across the Islands

By The Department of Education Services.

The Department of Education Services (DES) announced the successful completion of its Summer School Programme, held from 8 to 25 July. Now in its third year, the three-week initiative targeted students in Years 4 to 6 and saw approximately 300 students attending daily across multiple hubs located throughout the islands.

The programme was hosted at six primary school hubs: Edna Moyle Primary, Joanna Clarke Primary, Red Bay Primary, West End Primary, Marie Martin Primary, and Sir John A. Cumber Primary. In addition, Year 6 students in Grand Cayman participated at the high schools they will be transitioning into—Clifton Hunter High School and John Gray High School—providing them with early exposure to their new learning environments and easing the transition process.

With a strong focus on addressing gaps in fundamental knowledge in English and Mathematics, the programme was designed to offer targeted interventions in these key areas. Each day, students engaged in small-group activities led by a dedicated team of 70 teachers and two student interns. The interventions were intentionally crafted to be

both engaging and educational, helping students strengthen critical skills in an interactive and supportive setting.

Students also had access to Maths Whizz, an adaptive computer-based tutoring programme that reinforces mathematical understanding at an individual pace. Beyond literacy and numeracy, the programme featured a dynamic range of STEM activities that promoted creativity and critical thinking. From building catapults and solar fans to constructing musical instruments, students embraced hands-on learning with enthusiasm.

“Summer school was really educational, and my teachers helped me to understand topics in maths and reading so that I can do it better on my own,” said Year 5 student Sarai Davidson.

Several students reported improvement in their times tables and spelling, along with an increased understanding of Caymanian history and culture.

Parents praised the organisation of the programme and the excitement for learning it fostered among students. One parent shared, “The additional learning helped my child gain a deeper understanding of various subjects required to support her academic growth. It has boosted her confidence as she developed new skills such as Robotics and using recycled materials to build objects, while making friends along the way.”

A weekly highlight of the programme was the field trips organised by each hub, giving students the opportunity to explore local sites of interest such as Pedro St. James Castle, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard. These excursions provided meaningful, real-world connections to their classroom learning.

DES Director, Mr. Mark Ray, noted the lasting impact of summer learning: “Summer school is not just about bridging learning gaps—it’s about building momentum for the academic year ahead. By engaging students in a supportive and stimulating environment, we empower them to grow in confidence, curiosity, and capability. We are proud of the progress our students have made and the dedication shown by our teachers and staff.”

Each year, the Department reviews feedback from students, parents, and staff to improve the programme. “We remain committed to listening and learning from our stakeholders,” said Joanne Conly, Numeracy Specialist for the DES. “Our goal is to continue identifying the evolving needs of our students and designing programming that meets them where they are.”

The DES encourage parents to support their children’s learning journey using resources available at www.bit.ly/summerlearninghubky . This website provides recommended resources and summer learning activities for students in primary school.

For more information on this and other DES programmes, please visit the Department of Education Services website at www.schools.edu.ky .