The Ministry of Education is implementing the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) in 12 more schools from September.
Minister Shaik Baksh made this announcement at the opening of two quality assurance workshops hosted by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean. Senior specialist in skills and employability at the ILO office Dr Hassan Bata Ndahi is administering the programme.
In his address, the minister said the programme will be introduced in schools on the coastland and in the hinterland. He said it is currently being offered in Grade 10 in 22 secondary schools and seven practical instructional centres in the Georgetown districts and regions two, three, four, five, six and 10 and it will be implemented in Grade Nine in the new academic year.
According to a press release the initiative was introduced in 2009 and presents an alternative path to secondary education using the Competency Based Modularisation (CBME) approach and the Criterion Reference Approach in delivery. Baksh said students’ performance in the SCCP is measured against specific occupational standards directly related to industry and they are required to develop competency in certain skills areas relevant to their studies.
Grade Nine students and those at the practical instruction centres are trained to the status of a Level 1 worker. Generally the programme is held for one year but it can be expanded to meet students’ needs. The release said the programme aims to develop technical competencies and enhance functional literacy and numeracy at Grade Nine; equip students with citizenship, life and vocational skills to support national development; expose students to a modularised and vocational career education with emphasis on supervised work experience, work attachments and/or work related projects; develop good occupational, environmental health and safety practices in schools and develop students ability solve problems and foster creative thinking skills through project work.
Under the programme students are offered four core subjects: Language and Communication, Mathematics, Integrated Science and General Studies and the choice of one subject from the technical vocational field in Agriculture Science, Industrial Technology, Home Economics and Visual Arts. Students who successfully complete the programme are issued a certificate. Students who have not completed all the requirements for certification are granted a transcript indicating areas where they have demonstrated competencies.
Head teachers, school administrators, teachers and instructors at practical instruction centres where the programme is held are expected to closely monitor students’ progress. The CBME focuses on outcomes specified by Caricom Occupational Standards in order to ensure that the vocational education being offered to students is relevant to the needs of the work environment.
The release also said the ministry has ensured that teachers who deliver the programme are adequately trained and schools have been equipped with tools, equipment, machines and other materials necessary for students to develop the relevant skills and competencies to complete the training.
