Nassau, The Bahamas – A standardised National High School Diploma will be introduced in the high school system for the first time by June 2016.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald said the new standardised National High School Diploma will establish benchmarks in achievements in academic and applied sciences, social development and future careers.
“It will encourage students to attain at least the minimum standards for education, provide students with a credential that provides meaningful information to a prospective employer or for college entrance, and recognise students’ personal achievements,” said Minister Fitzgerald in his contribution to the 2012-2013 Budget Debate.
He explained that some schools presently offer attendance certificates or diplomas that are synonymous with the individual school, but which do not have the requisite currency to be utilised universally as part of the official achievement of the student.
“The recipient of the National High School Diploma, will have to satisfy a set of criteria which will ensure that no student who has not attained a minimum of a ninth grade education will be eligible for the award of the diploma.”
Funding for the preparation of this initiative has been placed in the present budget to commence necessary preparations, said the Education Minister.
The Bahamas General Education Diploma (GED), another initiative by the Government, is being introduced for students who were unable to complete high school for various reasons.
It is expected to provide opportunities for students who have not had an opportunity to complete high school, to complete and receive a GED, equivalent to the National High School Diploma.
Consideration will be given to the experiences that the student may have gained through work experiences, along with a specific set of criteria said Mr. Fitzgerald.
The Department of Education has been mandated to reopen Evening Institutes to allow adult students to return to classes to pursue academic courses which will increase their eligibility for the award of the GED. Four institutes are expected to open in New Providence before October 2013 and one in each of the Family Islands.
