According to andyeducation, the educational system in Tuvalu is based on the British model of education, with six years primary schooling followed by four years of secondary school. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14, and free up to the age of 16. Primary school consists of a core curriculum including English, mathematics, science and social studies. Additional subjects such as music and physical education are also offered. At the end of primary school, students take an external examination which determines whether or not they may proceed to secondary school. Secondary school consists of an additional four years, with a focus on vocational training as well as academic subjects such as English, mathematics and science. Students also have the opportunity to pursue electives in areas such as art and music. Upon completion of secondary school, students are eligible to attend university or other higher-level institutions such as vocational schools or academies. In order to ensure quality standards are met throughout the educational system, there are two levels of accreditation: state-accredited institutions, and those accredited by international bodies such as UNESCO. Additionally, Tuvalu has recently made a commitment to increase access to higher education by expanding its universities and institutes. At present there is an ongoing effort to modernize curriculum across all levels of learning in order to better prepare graduates for their future careers. This includes a focus on IT literacy and English language instruction in primary schools as well as introducing new disciplines such as business studies at universities across the country. In addition, Tuvalu is working towards increasing access to higher education outside its borders by signing agreements with foreign universities that allow students from Tuvalu greater opportunities for study abroad. See educationvv for Tuvalu educational systems.
