Subsidies for students sitting exit examinations in 2019: Jamaica Minister

Jamaica Government has provided subsidies for secondary-level students sitting exit examinations in 2019.

Full subsidy payment is being made for up to eight subjects for students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and wards of the State who are eligible to receive the support.

This was disclosed by Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, in his national back-to-school broadcast on January 6.

“Full subsidy means the Government will cover the cost of all fees associated with the examination, which include entry fee, subject fees, practical fees, fees for orals and all other fees related to the subject,” Senator Reid said.

The Minister also informed that the Ministry has committed 1,140 scholarships between 2018 and 2020 to support the training of 135 mathematics teachers, 150 physics and chemistry teachers, 120 technical and vocational education teachers and 650 engineers.

“Over $300 million is being utilised to support students at tertiary institutions for this financial year,” he noted.

In addition, Senator Reid said the Ministry has successfully completed the implementation of the National Standards Curriculum, including providing assistance totalling $77 million for the execution of the curriculum in primary schools.

The National Standards Curriculum aims to enhance the quality of education offered to learners and improve the general academic performance, attitude and behaviour of students, which will redound to the positive shaping of the national social and economic fabric.

Under the new system, emphasis is being placed on project-based and problem-solving learning, with science, technology, engineering and mathematics/science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) integrated at all levels.