Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. The island's population is estimated at 2,576,200. Approximately 50.4 per cent of the population lives in rural areas. The ethnic origin of Jamaicans is primarily African (over 90 per cent). An estimated 30 per cent of the population is of mixed ethnic origin - East Indian, Chinese and European. Although Christian denominations dominate, diverse religious beliefs are represented. The official language is English, however most people speak an English based creole – patois.
The ruling People’s National party has embarked on a remarkable campaign to transform the entire education sector within the next 10 years. The objective is to ensure that education is accessible to all up to secondary level and that the system will be first class. The government has recognised the need to reform the sector if the country is to continue to grow and be competitive in the globalised market.
The capital and major commercial centre, Kingston, is situated on the southeast coast. Kingston is also the largest education centre in Jamaica. With a population of 600,000, Kingston is also home to the largest university, University of the West Indies, which has over 13,000 students at their Mona campus studying across all subject areas. Kingston has the largest number of private and public schools on the island, as well as tertiary institutions. Other important universities include the University of Technology and the Northern Caribbean University.
In transforming education the government has been keen to draw on UK expertise in education. The British Council is supporting the initiative through a variety of programmes. In 2005, the British Council sent a number of Ministry personnel to conduct British Council seminars. This has included follow up workshops upon their return. They have also organised a study visit for the permanent secretary and the Deputy Chief Education Officer to investigate best practice that could be useful in the reform process.
The UK is the second most popular study destination for Jamaican students, the first being the US. The overseas market has shown growth in the demand for postgraduate study, due to the comparable tuition costs of the US and local universities and the duration of postgraduate course, usually lasting one year.
Jamaica’s education system is based on that of the UK. The school system consists of a pre-primary and a primary cycle of six years, followed by a secondary cycle of five years. At the secondary level students take the Caribbean Examinations Council examinations, similar to the UK’s General Certificate of Secondary Education. Students can then go on to sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency examinations, which has replaced the GCE A-levels. The CAPE subjects are organized into units; one subject valued at two units. Six CAPE units are accepted by the University of the West Indies and the University of Guyana for matriculation.
Post secondary education is available through three universities and a number of community and teachers colleges. In recent years Jamaica has become a free market economy and this had led to competition not only in the business sector but also in education. Consequently there has been an influx of overseas institutions offering a wide variety of programmes, both distance and face to face. The positive benefits of these programmes are associated with flexibility and being able to work while studying. Prospective students are now seeking more applicable programmes that are geared towards the modern business environment.
Jamaica is predominantly a higher education market with students pursuing both postgraduate and undergraduate courses in equal measure in the UK. This market has the potential for growth, especially in the postgraduate arena where the largest selling point is the length of the programme. Distance learning figures are also likely to increase considerably as students look for a greater degree of flexibility. The distance learning option is especially suitable for students with families who do not want to leave home. A number of universities, particularly from North America have already capitalised on this opportunity.
Business Studies is the fastest growing subject area and there is sufficient demand for well respected MBA courses. In addition Human Resource Management, Economics and Computer Science are expanding subject areas. Another area of potential growth is that of Engineering.
The British Council has one office in Kingston which is predominantly involved in education development. The British Council Jamaica works closely with the Ministry of Education to assist in their reform strategy. The British Council Jamaica also specialises in the promotion of Education UK and is involved in at least four annual Education Exhibitions. Through various exhibitions and collaborative efforts with our partners the British Council Jamaica hopes to raise awareness of the new Education UK brand. In addition we visit schools to give presentations to students to make them aware of the benefits of studying in the UK. Guidance councillor packs are also distributed at the beginning of the year to help students in their search for institutions and to promote the Education UK brand.
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