The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programme has been extended to the West Demerara Secondary, where 12 students are already registered.
In an address during the brief launch ceremony that was held at the school yesterday, head teacher Harrinarine (only name) said the programme will be offering 10 subjects. The initial 10 subjects that will be offered are Biology, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics, Management of Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Communication Studies, Literatures in English and Environmental Studies.
He noted that graduates of the programme will leave the school with an Associate’s Degree in either Art or Business.
The head teacher also assured that the school has teachers for all of the subjects and with the assistance of the Ministry, it will be offering additional subjects in the future. He added that since its establishment in 1965, the school has been consistent with its performance at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, with the school achieving a 93% matriculation rate in 2020, with 18 students passing with 8 Grade Ones or more.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, during her remarks at the launch, highlighted the importance of having the programme closer to the students in Region Three. She noted that students are desirous of pursuing the programme and that in the past these students had to travel the long distance to attend one of the schools offering CAPE in Georgetown. This was a strain on some families as it relates to transportation and other associated costs. She praised the students who have registered to pursue their studies at the school. Manickchand told the students that they’ve made a bold step.
On Friday last, the CAPE programme was launched at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School. It was the first of seven more schools that Manickchand has said will be offering the CAPE programme. These new schools added to the list of schools offering the programme will allow for students who would normally have to travel to Georgetown to get that level of schooling in their hometown or region.
According to a Ministry of Education release, Manickchand stated that the support from the government and the MoE will not end there, but that scholarships will be available through the government’s 20,000 scholarships programme so that they can pursue higher academic programmes.
She urged the students to perform with excellence and vindicate the decision to have CAPE offered at the school. She said that the Ministry will be following their progress and is prepared to offer the necessary support.
Additionally, she addressed the education sector as it relates to Region Three. She said that the region currently has 14 secondary schools but noted that there is still need for one more. According to Manickchand, although the region has managed to close many of the Primary Tops, there is still one, Saraswat Primary School, with over 300 students.
Manickchand also assured that the ministry will be working to achieve universal secondary education in the country. This would mean that students will no longer have to be placed in Primary Tops but all secondary-aged children will have access to a secondary school wherever they are located. She said that the region also needs a primary schools in Tuschen and Parfaite Harmonie to accommodate the growing population in the two communities.
Further, the Centre for the Cyril Potter College of Education will soon be completed and will accommodate 120 students, thereby making teacher training more accessible in the region. Two teachers’ quarters are being built at Leguan and Wakenaam. She also said that the Leonora Secondary School Dorm is also nearing completion. The release added that Manickchand informed that the facility will house 65 students and will cater to those students who live along the Demerara and Essequibo rivers who can attend school in the region.
