Graduation requirements rolled out

A revolution has occurred in the Cayman Islands education system, with the Ministry of Education rolling out new graduation requirements for all students of government high schools. 

Previously, the only criteria for graduating from government schools were attendance and behaviour, meaning those who had achieved a higher standard during their high school careers were not necessarily distinguished from those who had not. 

However, following consultation with teachers, employers and education stakeholders, a national qualifications framework, which has been designed to provide an easily understood and consistent system for evaluating and comparing qualifications, has been formulated and was announced 15 November. 

“In the English system there is no graduation and students’ certificates are the consideration. Graduation is in fact an American concept, so we have been using an American concept in an English system, which was largely the result of parents wanting a ceremony for their children. We are going to continue having that ceremony, but the requirements to participate and be considered as having graduated are what we are focusing on,” said Education Officer Shirley Wahler. She said now all students who wish to obtain a graduation diploma at the end of compulsory education will also be expected to meet a minimum academic standard. 

The new requirements mean there will be levels of diplomas that can be obtained, which correspond to certain passes or accomplishments. 

For instance, a level 1 is the lowest standard at which someone can graduate from high school. This would mean that an individual would need five level 1 passes of CXC or CSEC grades 4 through 6 or GCSE/IGCSE grades D through G at the minimum to graduate. The equivalent standard of such passes would be equivalent to a middle school or junior high standard. 

The range of requirements and standards for high school graduates range from level 1 through 3. Someone with a level 2 pass could fall into two separate categories, one being standard and the other of particular distinction or Honours. 

Passes at CXC and CSEC grades 1 through 3 or GCSE/IGCSE grades A through C would be considered a level 2 or standard high school level qualification band. Essentially, five level 2 qualifications are recognised internationally as equivalent to a United States high school diploma and mark successful completion of secondary education. 

International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement diplomas and GCSE A Level passes or Associate Degrees will fall into the Level 3/Advanced Level band. At this level, qualifications indicate the individual is suitable for tertiary education.  

“Whether CXC and GCSE qualifications have equal value or if BTEC qualifications compare to ICCSE passes or what the meaning of a COEA qualification and what skill levels does a person with these passes posses are questions that are often asked. 

“The newly implemented levels will ensure that everyone in the community understands how qualifications are ranked and rated and how these match up with skills and knowledge levels,” said Education Minister Rolston Anglin. 

The levels and their corresponding standards are being referred to as The Cayman Islands National Qualifications Framework. 

In addition to the academic criteria, students will need 90 per cent attendance or more during years 10 to 12 and fewer than 15 days suspension during the said years. 

If suspended, a student can work of days of suspension by remaining suspension-free over a period of time through agreed and monitored community service, in order to meet the graduation criteria. 

Mr. Anglin said the new graduation requirements and the ability to quantify what level a student is at in terms of skills and standards “has the potential to transform our education system, both in terms of setting clear goals for students and providing much needed information for employers.” 

Vocational training has not been left out of the package, with BTEC playing an important part in the new structure. 

“It is conceivable that someone could graduate with strictly BTEC courses, though they would have to have Math and English Level 1 passes,” explained the minister. 

Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education Mary Rodrigues said, “Our aim is to further develop the National Qualifications Framework to include technical and vocational education and training, as well as work-based training qualifications achieved through overseas national training agencies and local providers.” 

Students who do not obtain optimum standards during high school have the ability to attend the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre/CIFEC, to resit exams or take new exams of a higher standard.