D: Levels of Education
Figure 1 shows the structure of education in the OECS. It presents the levels of education (early childhood, primary, secondary, post- secondary/tertiary).
Compulsory Education refers to the twelve (12) year-span of legally mandated school attendance, which in most Member States ranges from five (5) to sixteen (16) years.
Students generally spend six (6) to seven (7) years in the primary grades. This may be preceded by one to three (1-3) years at the early childhood level. Early Childhood/pre-primary refers to the care of young children prior to the commencement of compulsory education which for most ranges from birth to five (0-5) years of age.
Primary is the first phase of compulsory education which begins at five years and spans approximately seven years. At the end of the primary school cycle (Grade 6) students take a national examination (Common Entrance, Caribbean Primary Exist Assessment, National Assessment, Test of Standards) which is used for placement at secondary schools. The examination is also used for monitoring and identifying students who maybe at-risk of achieving educational outcomes.
Special Education Centres refer to schools designed to cater to special needs students who are challenged at both the primary and secondary levels. The challenges may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. It must be noted that instead of separate schools, in some countries, the special needs of some children are catered for in an inclusive classroom environment.
Secondary refers to the second phase of the compulsory education which spans a five year period. At the third form level, students sit the CCSLC. By the end of the secondary cycle (Form 5 or Grade 12) students sit regional examination – Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). This is required for enrolment in tertiary institutions and job placement. Some graduates may join the workforce while others may decide to continue their education at a post-secondary institution for a period of one to two years, while others may continue their education at the University level.