For the second year, Year 12 Government school students from the Centre for Further Education have been given the opportunity to make an early start in their tertiary education studies.
This year, 49 students have qualified to take up the option.
For this second group of students, the University College of the Cayman Islands programme has been enhanced and now contains new college readiness elements.
“Last year many of our Year 12 students proved that they had been well prepared for college success, which is just one of our CIFEC options. As a result, we now have students who have earned college credits at 16 and 17 years old,” Education Minister Rolston Anglin said. “Our challenge this year was to build on this achievement, to give all students who select this option the best possible chance of success.
“The Ministry, Department of Education Services and UCCI have partnered to provide additional elements to the programme, which I think will support our students and be welcomed by parents.”
The students, who qualify by achieving a minimum of five good passes, including in math and English, will have a homeroom space at UCCI.
Tutors
Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler said students also will have a tutor and a tutorial structure, which will offer increased attention, in addition to support provided through UCCI’s Student Services Unit and faculty advisers.
Students will also have access to specialised courses developed by UCCI to introduce them to college life and develop the critical thinking skills essential for higher-level study. These courses also carry college credits.
UCCI President Roy Bodden expressed his strong support for these new developments.
“We have embraced the challenge set by the Ministry this year to create an enhanced learning environment, with additional programmes and support…,” he said.
A joint Ministry/UCCI formal information session for participating students and their parents will be announced shortly.
The Year 12 programme was launched in September 2010 by the Education Ministry at the new Centre for Further Education. The centre offers a wide range of learning opportunities for students of all abilities following the completion of their school leaving external examinations. These include opportunities to re-sit CXC/IGCSE/GCE examinations, to improve grades; Advanced Placement studies; new externally accredited TVET subjects; and participation in the dual-entry programme to attend UCCI or to study A Levels.
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