Cayman Education
Cayman education consists of the free education of children between the ages of 4 and 16. It is compulsory for all residents, and is also available to non-residents who have been in the Cayman Islands for at least six months.
Primary and High Schools
The government operates ten primary schools, one special needs school, and three high schools. There are several private schools in the area as well. The majority of these are church-based and have a strong Christian tradition, but some are not.
Educational System
Public schools follow a British-style educational system, while the International Baccalaureate program is available for students from ages 11 to 16. This aims to prepare them for college and career opportunities, using six transdisciplinary themes to explore beliefs and values, mental, social, physical and spiritual health; how human relationships work between cultures, communities and families; and how people interact with other civilizations.
Technology in the Classroom
Some schools in the Cayman Islands use technology in their classrooms to make learning more engaging for both teachers and students. This includes the use of tablets in the early years, which help to develop students’ digital literacy skills and encourage them to become independent learners who can complete assignments on their own or with assistance from a teacher.
New Approaches to Teaching
In addition to traditional teaching methods, many schools in the Cayman Islands are introducing new approaches such as project learning, where teachers take a more hands-on approach to helping students learn. This is particularly important in science and maths classes, which are often taught as hands-on activities that can be incorporated into the classroom environment.
Online Teaching
There is also a growing trend to have more teachers teach online. This can be especially beneficial for children who have difficulty attending class or do not enjoy the traditional teaching style. For example, many students with autism or other learning difficulties find that the online approach can provide a better learning experience. It also allows students to participate in a course from anywhere they have internet access, as long as they have a laptop or tablet with them.
Public vs Private Schools
The majority of Caymanian children attend a public school, with a small number of permanent residents opting to send their kids to a private school for education. The cost of these schools is usually covered by the parents, although there are some scholarships for Caymanian students who want to go to a private school to study. These scholarships can be used to pay for the first year of a full-time private school education (CI$7,000 if they have passed their GCSEs) and then CI$5,000 for the second year, but these fees are decided on a points system based on the student’s GCSE and CXC results.
Private Schools for Higher Education
There are also a number of private schools for those who want to study at a more academic level, such as those who are preparing to take A Levels or tertiary degrees. The majority of these schools are Christian and the children are encouraged to practice their faith in their schooling.
