Secondary Education

• Age of Admission

• Length

• Programme of Study

• Assessment and Promotion

• Grading Scale

Vocational/Technical Education

• Minimum Age of Admission

• Length

• Programme of Study

• Assessment and Promotion

• Grading Scale

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SECONDARY EDUCATION

Secondary education consists of two cycles: the first three-year cycle (grades VII-IX), and the second two-year cycle (grades X and XI). Some secondary secondary schools offer two additional years (“sixth form,” grades XII and XIII).  All schools offer general and vocational education, with some schools specializing in technical education.

 

AGE OF ADMISSION

Age 12

 

LENGTH

Five to seven years; varies depending on the institution attended

 

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

A sample curriculum for grades VII through XIII (the curriculum should be used in conjunction with the student record of studies)

 

Subject	Approximate number of hours per grade
	VII	VIII	IX	X	XI	XII	XIII
English language	96	96	96	96	96	96	96
English literature	96	96	72	120	120	192	192
Mathematics	168	168	168	144	144	192	192
Additional Mathematics	-	-	-	120	120	-	-
Integrated Science	144	120	168	-	-	-	-
Physics	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Chemistry	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Biology	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Agricultural Science	-	-	-	120	120	-	-
Spanish	120	120	120	120	120	192	192
French	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
History	72	72	72	120	120	192	192
Geography	72	72	72	120	120	192	192
Economics	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Bible Knowledge	48	48	-	120	120	-	-
Art	48	48	48	120	120	-	-
Technical Drawing	-	48	48	120	120	192	192
Computer Studies	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Woodworking	-	-	-	120	120	-	-
Metal Work	-	-	-	120	120	-	-
Electrical Installation	-	-	-	120	120	-	-
Physical Education	48	48	48	-	-	-	-
Guidance	48	-	48	-	-	-	-
Principles of Accounts	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Principles of Business	-	-	-	120	120	192	192
Office Procedure	-	-	-	120	120	-	-

 

ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION

Students are continuously assessed through coursework, projects, and examinations. Students sit for examinations at the ends of grades X (Jamaica School Certificate), XI (Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate or Secondary School Certificate), and XIII (General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level).  

 

GRADING SCALE

Caribbean Examinations Council

Numerical	WES Equivalency
1	A
2	B+
3	B
4	C
5	F

 

General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level

 

Grade	WES Equivalency
A	A
B	A
C	B
D	B
E	C
N, O, F, U	F

 

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VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Vocational/Technical education is offered in technical secondary schools. Programmes are four years in duration -- the first two years general in nature, with specialization occurring in grades X and XI.  Admission is normally on the basis of the Common Entrance Examination, though some students choose to transfer from academic secondary programmes.  A variety of courses are offered including part-time or courses leading the General Certificate of Education, Royal Society of Arts, City and Guilds of London, or Pitman qualifications.  In addition to secondary level vocational/technical programmes there are other short term vocational programmes designed to provide training for entry into the workforce.     

 

AGE OF ADMISSION

Age 12

 

LENGTH

Four years

 

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Programmes vary depending on the specialization undertaken. Syllabi are available and can be requested if necessary.

 

ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION

Students are continuously assessed through coursework, required projects and examinations.

 

GRADING SCALE

The grading scale used depends on programme undertaken.

Revised: May 06, 2004 .
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