THE EDITOR, Sir:
KINDLY PERMIT me to share with your readers some points that we need to bear in mind when we think of our secondary school system. We need to accept the fact that the schools that are now known as "upgraded high" or "new high" will never be seen in the same light as traditional high schools because they are just not the same, and no amount of name changing will alter this fact.
Upgraded high schools have undergone quite a few name changes, but we cannot change history, neither can we change the fact that all schools are not equal, neither are all students equally endowed and students will never have equal opportunities.
Trying to provide a level playing field as far as secondary education is concerned, is futile, so let us face reality and stop deluding ourselves and our children. Before I proceed, let me hasten to say that I am fully aware of the fact that some of these schools are doing very well. This is not intended to be an assessment of these schools.
There was a time when "upgraded high" schools were known as junior secondary schools and had only grades seven to nine. Later on, the grades ten to eleven programme was added.
This programme was geared towards providing students with skills with which they could make a living when they leave school.
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination set by the Ministry of Education is the exit examination for these schools although schools have always encouraged their bright students to sit the Caribbean Examination Council examinations. Obtaining a range four or five in any subject in the SSC examination is equivalent to a pass in CXC examination (now CSEC.)
It would be interesting to examine the results of SSC examinations this year for a change.
I am, etc.,
WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN
winab@cwjamaica.com
Bagatelle District
Ashley P.A.
Clarendon
