Education in BARB ADOS BY ALEXANDRA, LIO AND JIHAN About BARBADOS A populous and prosperous Caribbean island Political, economic and social stability have given it a relatively high standard of living Was heavily dependent on the export of sugar as its main revenue earner, but in recent decades the economy has diversified into tourism and finance. It also has offshore reserves of oil and natural gas About BARBADOS Known for its beaches and cricket (national sport) the former British colony has a dual heritage: 1. English, evident in its stonebuilt Anglican churches and Saturday race meetings 2. African, reflected in its music and dance. Brief History 1627 - Captain Henry Powell lands a party of English settlers who establish a colony, which they then develop as a sugar plantation economy using slaves brought in from Africa. 1834 - Slavery abolished 1937 - Outbreak of riots in response to poor economic conditions; British Royal Commission sent in to investigate conditions; Barbados Labour Party (BLP) founded by Grantley Adams 1958-62 - Barbados a member of the British-sponsored Federation of the West Indies, of which Grantley Adams became the first PM 1961 - Barbados granted full internal self-government with DLP leader Errol Barrow as premier. 1966 - Barbados becomes independent with Errol Barrow as PM Demographics 10% Asian or European (10%) AfroCaribbean descent (90%) Population of about 300,000 people 90% Demographics Has the highest concentration per capita of centenarians in the world next to Japan Official Language: English (Bajan English) 95% of the country identifies as Christians Literacy Rate Literacy rate: 99.7% (UNDP Report 2008) -> 4th Highest Worldwide Barbados' education system is regarded as a highly successful model worldwide Education System Education System Barbadian education system adheres closely to British norms, and is paid for by the government right though tertiary levels too Education is managed by the Ministry of Education and is free in government schools. There are 93 elementary schools and 22 secondary schools managed by the government. The school year is divided into three periods which run from September to December, January to April and April to July. Education System Education is broken down into 4 levels: 1. Nursery (Ages 3-5) 2. Primary (6 Years, 5-11) 3. Secondary (11-18, but becomes non-compulsory when students turn 16) 4. Tertiary (18>) There are no universities per se in the Barbados. There is, however, a Branch of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, the Barbados Community College, a Teacher’s Training Institute. Private Education Barbados also has a small number of private primary schools. There are 15 private secondary schools and 7 secondary schools for children aged 14-16 years. There are also several private nurseries for pre-school children . Private schools can be expensive and prices start from BBD $13,850 to BBD $27,500 (98-200M IDR) where there are registration fees and administration and screening fees. Costs are lower for Barbadians than foreigners Private Education The examination system in schools is basically the same as UK schools. There are entrance exams at 11 for high school and then exams at 16 which are held in various subjects (similar to O-Levels or GCSEs/IGCSEs) There are 3 examination boards in Barbados: the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) STRENGTHS High literacy rates (which prove that the education system works) Facilities to integrate children with special needs into schools must be primary and succeed in reducing illiteracy Children from different backgrounds can socialize with each other All stake holders (headmaster, students, parents) are not burdened by tuition fees. WEAKNESSES Limited higher education options (to pursue university education, students may have to study abroad) Education is entirely influenced and controlled by the Ministry of Education. BARBADOS Education is fully provided by the government Compulsory until Grade 10 (Age 16) INDONESIA Both private and public education available, not all funded by government Compulsory until Grade 9 (after completion of UN) Main Language of Instruction: English Main Language of Instruction: Bahasa Indonesia Very limited tertiary education opportunities (<20 universities & colleges) Numerous tertiary education opportunities (more than 3,000 higher education institutions in Indonesia)
