Palmer Int. School Holds 8th Graduation Ceremony
Palmer International, a Kumasi-based private school known for its ‘Alpha Learner Teaching Method’, held its 8th Graduation Ceremony under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Generation Alpha Learner – The Role of the 21st Century Teacher and Parent.”
The ceremony took place at the Officers Mess in Kumasi on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
The occasion saw KG 2 students graduate to lower primary, upper primary students (Class 6) progress to Junior High School (JHS), and JHS 3 students graduate to Senior High School.
Speaking to Opemsuo News, Head-Teacher of the school, Mr. Emmanuel A.A Frimpong, emphasized the need for schools and teachers to embrace the Alpha Learner teaching method which comprises the use of technology and persuasion for modern day students.
According to him, children born in the 21st century requires a completely different approach in their teaching and upbringing. This he said has been the hallmark of the Palmer International School as they ensure that students are equipped with 21st century skills and knowledge.
“With this graduation, we are telling the people that children who were born after 2010 are Generation Alpha Learners; that they are born at a time technology is at its peak and taken the centre stage of human endeavour. It means that you cannot employ the same teaching method of the non-digital age students like those born in 90s or 80s. They require a different approach, they want to be persuaded, they want to use the computer and this is what we at Palmer are leveraging.”
He justified the management’s decision to select the military barracks (Officers Mess) for the graduation ceremony, saying it is to prove to both students and parents that Palmer International School stands for excellence and discipline.
He called on parents to provide the necessary learning materials for their children and also make time for them ensuring their children do not get addicted to social media.
Mr. Emmanuel Frimpong noted that the Alpha Learning approach makes Palmer International School stand out and different from others. He said the school appreciates the needs of the 21st century students.
“What makes Palmer International different is our unique teaching method which is the Alpha Learner. We have leveraged technology, we have interactive boards and we train our teachers to effectively deliver the 21st century pedagogy to offer better future for our students.”
On his part, Prof Emmanuel Bonya, Lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) and Guest Speaker, called on teachers and schools to revise their teaching approach and adopt modern approach.
He noted that the era where canes were used on students is over as he insisted that it is not the best approach.
The Special Guest of Honour, Otumfuo Brempong and Chief of Ofoase, Nana Bediako Appiah Ampam, commended Palmer International for their commitment to quality education. He urged parents to support their wards and provide them with the needed materials to facilitate their education.
In attendance were parents, guardians and teachers and students of Palmer International School.
Story by George Addo
