Ave Maria School Limited, a leading private basic education institution in the Greater Accra Region, will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone training in September. This initiative aims to equip learners with crucial skills for global success in the 21st century. The school's head teacher, Mr. Anthony Afful, made the announcement last Saturday during the annual graduation ceremony held on campus in Dansoman, Accra.
The new program will integrate AI and drone flying into the school's existing Practical Skills Development Programme. This move reflects the school's commitment to technology and innovation. Mr. Afful emphasized that modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) drives global economic growth. He urged parents to support their children's enrollment in the new program, highlighting its immense future benefits.
This curriculum enhancement aligns with a broader trend in Ghana's education sector. Educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the need to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global job market. The introduction of AI and drone technology training addresses the growing demand for digital literacy and specialized technical skills. This focus on practical, future-oriented skills is crucial for Ghana's economic development and competitiveness.
Mr. Afful stated, "As a school, we have therefore resolved to constantly integrate the required skills in modern technology into our mainstream curriculum of study." He added that the program would introduce "very talented and critical-thinking learners to the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and the flying of drones." This direct integration underscores the school's proactive approach to educational reform.
The introduction of these advanced technological courses signals a shift towards skills-based learning in basic education. This development could inspire other private and public schools to adopt similar programs. Decision-makers in the education ministry and industry will closely watch the program's success. This initiative could influence future national curriculum reforms, preparing a new generation for Ghana's digital economy.
The school also received commendation from Mr. Johnson Selorm Abayi, Curriculum Implementation and Training Manager for the Oxford International Curriculum in Ghana. He praised Ave Maria School for its organized approach and dedicated staff. Mr. Abayi stressed that 21st-century education must move from teacher-centered to learner-centered. He highlighted the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills over mere academic performance.
Mr. Abayi encouraged the school to fully leverage the Oxford International Curriculum’s focus areas. These areas include Wellbeing, Sustainability, Global Skills, Computing, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized that every learner should graduate with skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. This includes practical abilities like coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship. He also called for active parental involvement and clear communication regarding new teaching approaches.
The school's commitment to academic rigor and practical skills development has been a focus over the past year. This new program builds on that foundation, aiming to provide a holistic education. The emphasis on AI and drones reflects a forward-thinking strategy. It positions Ave Maria School as a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technology into basic education in Ghana.