Public schools in the Virgin Islands have entered the 2025–2026 academic year with a slate of new classroom initiatives, including expanded science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) instruction, robotics from secondary into primary grades, a redesigned science fair, the reintroduction of core values lessons, and the appointment of safeguarding leads on every campus.

The changes were outlined during the Sept. 10 broadcast of Virgin Islands Voice, the government’s public engagement programme, by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Sharie B. de Castro, Acting Permanent Secretary Claude Kettle, and Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe.

De Castro said the ministry is advancing under the theme “Full STEAM Ahead: Future Focused, Student Led,” shifting daily instruction toward project-based learning and assessment. “We are moving from chalk and talk to doing and making,” she said, noting that students will be evaluated through demonstrations, presentations and real-world problem solving.

Robotics is being scaled across schools, with all Grade 7 students continuing in the STEAM Innovations course and new robotics and coding classes offered in Grades 10 and 11. Curriculum officials are preparing primary-level modules for later this year. The rollout, supported by private-sector partner Exness, has also led to scholarships for students pursuing technology-related study.

Chess has been paired with robotics as a tool for teaching strategy and confidence. Officials said schools are timetabling short, frequent sessions so that logical reasoning and planning become part of daily practice.

The science fair is returning in a new format that ties projects directly to territorial challenges. Students will be tasked with designing solutions for issues such as road conditions, water quality and energy reliability, with problem statements provided by agencies and nonprofits. Teachers will grade projects based on evidence, feasibility and presentation.

Schools have also relaunched a “Core Values Comeback” initiative, beginning with respect as the theme for September. Students will participate in classroom activities and schoolwide events designed to reinforce respect for self, others and property.

In addition, each school has designated a trained safeguarding lead, giving students a clear channel for reporting concerns. Consultant Kenroy Burke, who conducted summer training, said the initiative ensures “students know exactly whom to approach and what happens next.” Leads are trained in documentation and referral protocols, with posters and orientations outlining how students can reach them confidentially.

De Castro, Kettle and Crabbe said the measures are part of a broader curriculum review scheduled for completion in 2026. “Student voice and local relevance are at the center of what we’re building,” de Castro said. “The classroom pieces you’re seeing this term — STEAM projects, robotics, chess, the science fair, values and safeguarding — are the first mile markers.”