Talkback Friday

Fifth form graduation banned – principals, parents uneasy as secondary studies extended to seven years Here are some readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s Instagram and Twitter pages.

This doesn’t make any sense. Why can’t this be optional? If at the end of the five years a student has five or more CXC subjects, and decides not to do CAPE, why should they be forced to do another two years at High Skl? Not every career path requires CAPE. I can guarantee you that after the five years a lot of kids not gonna go back to do the extra two years. – @shellby_nubianqueen

Yeah, glad I left. Very glad. – @slingdon

This was not thought out properly. The current grade 11 student would have already made their plans and looking forward to going to universities/college in Jamaica or overseas. Plans would be in place. They would also be looking forward to graduating next year. – @kamcgeenunez

Seven years a slave. – @the11thstone

Even though I attended sixth form this still does not make sense for all students. What’s the real agenda here? – @simonekwalker

Bbwoii unu wicked to me future kids. – @EboniiChan

Here comes the backward train. Why can’t the plan be to improve literacy. Who are the ppl having these discussions. – @joyouslydevine

Glad mi leave school long time, couldn’t deal with this. Wondering what 2022 gonna be like? – @groovin578

I honestly don’t see the rationale behind this. You have a great performer and you tell him/her to stay back limiting their potential. #holddungting – @obmaser

Love this! – @6ixx_RM

Why not start it for the fourth formers, this is actually ridiculous! – @annecebannece

Is it that CSEC will no longer be the benchmark for employment and CAPE will replace? If not, expect a whole slew of certified dropouts. In the same breath I commend the alternate education programme. Hoping that great thoughts were given for these transitions. – @jothexxversion

So what if the students do not want to, why forcing them to do so? And if they stop at 11th grade will there be a penalty? – @_sash_27_

People need more real life and practical experiences, not more formal education. The world is changing Jamaica. – @fitnestrain1

This minister is jumping all over the place, they are confusing parents and students. Am so happy my girls leave school long time. – @patramzi1

So kids who want to study overseas must wait 2 years acquiring CAPE that they can’t use when they could have been doing SAT or some other internationally recognised accreditation? – @ms.k.kerr

Jamaica wants to be too Americanised – @racquel_mcdermott1993

Definitely agree with this 100 per cent – @chi.gurl

Mi nah fi graduate. Just get me subject dem and leff. – @__prettiiass._.lia__

Don’t even have freedom fi choose sixth form now! – @tishauna._

Hopefully they will graduate with a diploma or an associate degree certification. – @claytonkirk71