High School Years Too Much

Two years in kindergarten, six years at the elementary level, five years in high school, four years at the tertiary level and hello to another two years in this MSc. program. To date, I have spent 17 (soon to be 19) of my 25 years on Earth in school. Had I gone to 6th form, another 2 years would have been added to that. And the government plans to extend secondary school education from 5 to 7 years? Just the mere thought of it isn’t sitting well with me. What purpose do these two additional years intend to serve? Certainly not to make students any smarter. If one couldn’t pass a few CXC exams after five years, will seven make a difference? Doubt it. This is an epic waste of the country’s resources. After reading an Observer article yesterday, I thought of ways the estimated $800m (it will cost to implement this new plan) could be used wisely in the education sector. With this in mind, I have put forth 7 policies or measures that the government could implement.

1. Assess the quality of education being provided at the secondary level and ensure that policies are put in place to equip all students with requisite skills necessary for assimilation into higher education and the wider society.

2. Employ more teachers so the ratio of students to teacher is lower which will result in students getting more individual attention which increases the chance of the student excelling above standard. After all, too many trained teachers are sitting at home unemployed after graduation. 

3. Develop a special curriculum and implement special classes for slow learners so that they’re eliminated for the normal classroom setting; this will aid in reducing the possibility of them being left behind when the smarter students are excelling.

4. Form a partnership with HEART Trust/NTA and introduce skilled programs to all secondary schools at the grade 7 level. A skilled course should be made mandatory for all students up to grade 9. By grade 9, a screening test should be conducted to differentiate between the theory (book) or practical (skill) oriented students. At this point, students would now be streamed to move on to the next level of their academic lives. Having done so, it is likely that all students graduating at the end of five years would be somewhat ready for the wider society.

5. Develop support initiatives for students who, at the end of their high school tenure, are desirous of entering college, university, or the world of work, to ensure that they can make a smooth transition.

6. Provide assistance in the form of tuition grants for students who wish to pursue 6th form. Those students who accept the grant, would then be bonded to the country for a period of time and a percentage of the money they work will be deducted to repay the grant.

7. Purchase infrastructure, equipment and other resources to make teachers and students more comfortable and to make the learning environment more conducive. 

Spending seven years in high school doesn’t necessitate to students performing at a high standard. Everyone can receive a good education but how many are able to apply what they’ve learnt for so many years to their daily lives? Education is key but knowledge is power. Frankly, I could have sat CXC exams in grade 9 and receive the same grades as I did in grade 11. I had already charted my career path and probably that is why I wasted so much time in the classes I had no interest in, and just did the assignments for the sake of maintaining my average. I completed university with an impressive GPA without going through the hassle of 6th form. Though my mother was bent on me going to 6th form, I would not have it. So I declined my acceptance to Belair School, Hampton School and St. Andrew High and opted for NCU where I could get into my beloved field without having to waste another two years in high school. Why waste time in school for seven years if you have the aptitude to get through in five years or less? Five years is already burdensome moreover seven, good Lord! Seven years in high school is a waste of time, energy and resources. Its time for the government to be wise and think before acting. 

I am the Laydee Sharmz saying “the quicker you get out of school, the better it is for you”.