The broad goal of the educational system in Saint Kitts and Nevis is to foster the personal and economic development of the islands’ citizens and society. Education in St. Kitts and Nevis is universal, free and compulsory for children ages 5-16. The government supplies transportation for most students and pays for textbooks and exam fees for qualifying low-income families.
Primary schools are open to students ages 5 to 12, and focus on building literacy, numeracy, oral expression and problem solving skills to prepare students for the next phase of their education. At the end of primary school, students undergo testing to determine which form they will be placed in for secondary school.
Secondary education lasts five years and is designed to facilitate lifelong learning and prepare students for success in the world of work. At the end of secondary education, most students take Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Scoring for the examinations are as follows, with the overall grade reflecting the student’s performance on the unit as a whole while the profile grade reflects performance on each module of the unit.
|
Overall Grades |
Profile Grades |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
I |
A |
Candidate shows a comprehensive grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus. |
|
II |
B |
Candidate shows a good grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus. |
|
III |
C |
Candidate shows a fairly good grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and abilities required by the syllabus. |
|
IV |
D |
Candidate shows a moderate grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus. |
|
V |
E |
Candidate shows a very limited grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus. |
|
VI |
F |
Candidate shows a very limited grasp of the key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus. |
Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College uses the following grading scale:
|
Grade |
% Equivalent |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
A |
80-100 |
Outstanding |
|
B |
65-79 |
Good |
|
C |
50-64 |
Satisfactory |
|
D |
40-49 |
Passing |
|
F |
0-39 |
Failing |
|
I |
|
Incomplete |
|
WP |
|
Withdrew Passing |
|
WF |
|
Withdrew Failing |
|
N |
|
No grades available |
Primary curriculum in Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of the core subjects of math, language arts, social studies and science. Music, environmental education and physical education are also offered, and the government plans to implement a Spanish program at the primary level. Secondary students study ten core subjects including English, history, science, information technology, social studies, literature and modern languages. Electives, including business, accounting, agriculture and technical drawing are also available.
Post-secondary students may attend the Advanced Vocational Education Centre for hands-on training in a variety of skills, or choose Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, which offers a range of academic, professional and vocational courses. The islands’ University of Medicine and Health Sciences is modeled after top U.S. medical schools and is affiliated with teaching hospitals in the United States and Puerto Rico.
