According to andyeducation, the educational system in Jamaica is based on the British educational model and provides free primary and secondary education for all citizens. Primary school typically begins at the age of five and lasts for 11 years, divided into two stages: elementary school (grades 1-6) and secondary school (grades 7-11). During these stages, students can choose between two main tracks: academic or technical/vocational. The academic track is designed to prepare students for higher education and includes courses in English, math, science and social studies as well as electives such as music or art. The technical/vocational track focuses on practical skills such as carpentry or electrical engineering that can be applied in the workplace. Students who choose this track also take courses in math, science and social studies but focus more heavily on their chosen vocational area. At the tertiary level, students can attend universities offering degree programs in a wide range of disciplines such as business, engineering, law and medicine. Additionally there are technical institutes which provide diploma programs focused on technical skills such as computer programming or nursing. Jamaica also has a number of non-formal learning centers located throughout the country which offer courses in literacy skills and life skills such as job search techniques or money management skills. These centers are often run by NGOs or other organizations that specialize in training people living in rural areas who may not have access to traditional educational institutions. See educationvv for Jamaica educational systems.
