MAU News Mauritius

18/12/2023

Mauritian government officials, led by Minister Sudheer Maudhoo and Deputy Commissioner Rashid Ali Beekhun, participated in a U.S. Embassy-organized flight day to assess maritime conditions at St Brandon. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Henry Jardine and Defense Attaché Commander Jeff Schwamb, they utilized a U.S. Department of Defense C-12 Huron aircraft, emphasizing maritime domain awareness.

The presence of figures like Mr. Devendre Gopaul and Cpt. Asiva Coopen highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative, fostering international cooperation.

Against the backdrop of recent Chagos negotiations and Mauritius' complex relationship with China, this joint effort may hold broader implications, potentially influencing geopolitical dynamics and collaborations between the U.K, USA, and Mauritius in the maritime domain specifically in the Chagos Archipelago pulling Mauritius away from the influence of the Dragon.

18/12/2023

In a daring maneuver, Rishi Sunak has unveiled a sweeping transformation of post-16 education in the UK, introducing the groundbreaking "Advanced British Standard" (ABS). This Baccalaureate-style qualification is set to supersede both A-Levels and T-Levels for 16 to 19-year-olds, seamlessly integrating academic and technical trajectories into a unified system.

The ABS offers unprecedented flexibility, empowering students to customize their studies based on their strengths and aspirations. Whether opting for a technical, academic, or hybrid approach, students can delve into a minimum of five subjects at diverse levels. The insistence on Maths and English education until age 18 underscores the commitment to foundational skill development.

For those charting specific career trajectories, the option of a "four-subject focus" facilitates in-depth exploration of specialized domains alongside core subjects. Additionally, high-achieving students can challenge themselves with four majors, akin to the existing four A-Levels alternative.

Addressing diverse learning styles, the ABS accommodates individual needs. While foundational Maths and English are obligatory, those facing challenges can choose a practical communication and application-focused foundational level.

The grading system remains shrouded in mystery, with the government emphasizing meticulous deliberation to ensure transparency for employers and universities.

This audacious initiative heralds a profound shift in the UK's educational terrain, aspiring to furnish students with comprehensive knowledge and contemporary skills.

However, as the projected implementation spans over a decade, lingering questions persist regarding the practicalities and potential hurdles of this ambitious endeavor.

18/12/2023

18/12/2023

Managers of private colleges have taken a decisive step by petitioning the Supreme Court for a judicial review of the recently revised "Comprehensive Grant Formula 2024-2026" (GFA).

Amidst claims of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) harboring ill will, school principals contend that the GFA hampers their access to essential grants, directly compromising the quality of education imparted. The amended formula is under scrutiny for stripping colleges of crucial funding components, including provisions for equipment repairs, security services, and the training of non-academic staff.

These contentions serve as the bedrock of their legal challenge, shedding light on the potential ramifications for the operational dynamics of private secondary schools.