Education in the Gambia
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[edit] School system
The school going age in the Gambia is officially seven years. The education system, which is largely based on the British system, consists of the following:
- Six years of primary schooling: grades 1 – 6
- Three years of Junior Secondary schooling: grades 7 – 9
- Three years of Senior Secondary schooling: grades 10 – 12
- Four years of University education
[edit] Examinations
At the end of grades 6 and 9, there are selection examinations to proceed to the next level. At the end of grade 9 people have the option to go into the numerous skills centres which provide pre-vocational training for its students. At the end of grade 12 also, depending on their performance in the West African senior Secondary Certificate Exam (WASSCE), students have the option to go into the Technical Training Institute, which provide vocational and technical education; to into Gambia college which provide pre-service training for teachers, nurses, public health officers and agricultural supervisors; or they can go on to university or join the labour force.
[edit] Statistics
In 2002/03 total enrolment at primary schools included 79 percent of children in the relevant age-group (boys 79 percent; girls 78 percent), according to UNESCO estimates, while secondary enrolment included only 33 percent of the appropriate age-group (boys 39 percent; girls 27 percent).
[edit] University of The Gambia
The University of The Gambia which is still a fairly new institution was established by an Act of the National Assembly of the Gambia in March 1999. It comprises four faculties and Gambia College, including four schools: Agriculture, Science, Education, Nursing and Midwifery and Public Health.
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