Top ESHS student not in favour of additional school year
Just as was the case on Virgin Gorda where consultations were held at the Catholic Community Centre on June 19, 2019, there were mixed views shared on the subject.
Not in favour of additional year
However, a Twelfth Grade student of the Elmore Stoutt High School who is graduating this year as one of the top students, Akeya Herbert, has expressed she is not in favour of the additional year.
Making her contributions to the discussions held at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, Ms Herbert related that the extra year presented a burden for her and that she was ready to leave school since Eleventh Grade.
“Me personally, I am a CAPE [Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations] student and this extra year was very hectic. In Eleventh Grade I did start my CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate] but I still had exams to do with CSEC in Twelfth Grade and seeing that I did six CSEC [subjects] in Eleventh Grade I had to go on to do more CSEC [subjects] but that also allowed me to do CAPE."
According to Herbert, she ended up in a conundrum where she had CSEC and CAPE examinations at the same time on the same day, “so that was ridiculous I would say,” noting that she was allowed a 10-minute break between examinations.
“It was stressful, it was hectic, and I am in favour of taking CAPE out of high school and implementing it as you graduate from high school.”
Education Minister Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) then asked Ms Herbert if she had a choice of doing the 2 year track (graduating at Eleventh Grade) as against the 3 year track (Twelfth Grade), which would she opt for, Herbert opted for graduating after 5 years in high school.
“I would do the 2 year track,” Ms Herbert stated, adding that “I did the EPA exams and the School Leaving Exams in Eleventh Grade and I passed so I would think that I was pretty much ready to leave high school at that point.”
Additional year should be ‘optional’
Meanwhile, a woman who said she is a teacher at ESHS, noted that the extra school year allowed for some students to prepare properly for CSEC.
“With the additional year you are seeing more passes at CSEC,” she claimed.
Another person said she believes Twelfth Grade should be optional and that more attention is paid for students at different levels of learning and interests.
“If we need the Sixth Form then it should stay; however, I think we should stick to the 5 years to be mandatory for everybody. Because it seems to me that what is being said is that if I am a C+ student and I did my very best you are going to frustrate me to stay one more year or drop out.”
According to her, when students get to Tenth Grade, for example, they can then decide, along with their parents, whether to do the extra year.
Another woman said she was in total agreement with the suggestion, stressing that everyone should be made to write the school leaving exam and then decide whether they wish to stay on and maybe write a few CXC subjects.
CSEC, SAT, CAPE & HLSCC
Emphasis was also placed on whether the territory should place focus on CSEC as some persons felt it was not beneficial to the territory.
Dr Wheatley; however, said the educational system in the VI is a “hybrid system” and that CSEC and CAPE exams have their roles.
He noted that a lot of students are getting into the medical field and seeking to study at University of the West Indies (UWI). He said having CSEC and CAPE subjects would be advantageous for those students.
The same was said for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom, which recognises CSEC and CAPE.
But Dr Wheatley noted that an Associate’s Degree at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is regarded by UWI as equivalent to CAPE. He added that credits can also be transferred from HLSCC for persons to study in the UK. ‘You can get a degree in 2 years with an Associate’s Degree from HLSCC,” Dr Wheatley stated.
At the same time, Dr Wheatley pointed out that a significant amount of students further their tertiary education in the United States, where SATs are important for entry into universities there.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs Connie E. George said the intention is to continue the discussions on education and “consult one and all as to how we can further develop aspects and areas” and come up with a “bench mark” for the education system.
“The goal is to develop the best education system so that the students are able to matriculate anywhere in the world and shine and be successful…”
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12 Responses to “Top ESHS student not in favour of additional school year”
That extra year was rammed down our throats without being consulted. Don’t argue that there were consultations. That was a farce. The Minister had already decided and just wanted to be able to say that he consulted with people.