NSSC ‘deeply troubled’ by Immaculate’s barring of sixth-form student

The National Secondary Students’ Council (NSSC), which is calling for policy reform regarding the use of exam grades to boot students from school, expressed that it is “deeply troubled” by a recent account from the mother of a former student at Immaculate Conception High.

Last week, the mother told The Gleaner that her daughter was barred from continuing in the sixth-form programme at the St Andrew-based school after receiving a grade IV in one of four Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) subjects.

The 18-year-old aspiring industrial engineer attained grade Is in computer science and digital media, a grade II in communication studies, and a grade IV in food and nutrition. A grade IV is a pass at the CAPE level.

Principal Stacey Reynolds later told The Gleaner that the school was not being “cruel to anyone”, but stressed that standards were set and communicated to parents and students. She said the school’s policy only allows students who have achieved grades I-III in Unit One of their CAPE subjects to advance to grade 13.

NSSC President Laurel Williams described the situation as alarming.

“Schools must move away from rigid policies that reduce students to their exam results, and instead adopt practices that reflect a more comprehensive view of education. We urge Immaculate Conception High School, and educational institutions across Jamaica, to reconsider their policies and create a more supportive system. It is time to recognise that true educational success involves nurturing the whole student, including their resilience, creativity, and leadership, not just their grades,” Williams said.

She emphasised that the NSSC is advocating for policy reform that balances academic rigour with a more holistic approach to student development.

SHOULD NOT BE SOLE DETERMINANT

“We believe that while academic performance is important, it should not be the sole determinant of a student’s future, especially when that student has demonstrated strong character, leadership, and commitment to their school community,” she added.

Williams said that Immaculate Conception High has not responded to a September 11 appeal from the NSSC to reconsider the student’s case.

Several attempts by The Gleaner to speak with Principal Reynolds were unsuccessful yesterday.

The Ministry of Education has also not responded to questions sent by The Gleaner last week on the matter.

While the NSSC is not seeking reinstatement for the student at this time, in honouring the student’s wishes, Williams said the incident has highlighted that “the rigid nature of these policies is unfair to students”.

Arguing that schools must support the holistic development of students, Williams added: “The purpose of education is far more than just the accumulation of exam scores. It’s about nurturing the whole person, including intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and social responsibility. A single grade should not dictate such a consequential decision as barring a student from continuing their studies.”

Williams asserted that a student’s overall academic performance, personal growth, and contributions to the school community must carry significant weight in decision-making processes.

“It is unjust to allow one bad grade to erase the broader scope of what the student has achieved and learnt throughout their educational journey. The student in question has excelled in areas beyond academics, including leadership and community service, embodying the values that Immaculate Conception High School thrives to instil. Shouldn’t these accomplishments, along with their overall academic history, be factored into such a decision?” Williams questioned.

While stressing that the NSSC is not advocating for a lowering of academic standards, Williams pointed out that focusing too heavily on a single poor result is disproportionate. She is calling on schools to create a more positive and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to meet academic standards without feeling pressured or unfairly penalised.

“The true purpose of education extends beyond exam results. It is about shaping well-rounded individuals who can think critically, lead effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. A single grade should not dictate such a consequential decision as barring a student from continuing their studies,” she said.

Williams added further that the NSSC will remain relentless in its commitment to advocating for fairness and the holistic development of students, adding that the organisation will continue to push for an education system that allows students the opportunity to learn, grow, and recover from setbacks, rather than being defined by them.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com