The Secretary of State Sander Dekker of ECS (OCW education, culture and science) and Commissioner Zaandam of Education (St. Eustatius) discussed the recommendations from the feasibility study into options for the instruction language at the schools of St. Eustatius. The investigation has shown that introducing English as the only instruction language is feasible.
The feasibility study is the second part of the investigation onto the language of instruction, which started off in 2013. According to this first study the current language regime-with Dutch and English as equal languages in primary education and with Dutch as the instruction language in secondary education – has a negative effect on the learning achievement of the students. After all, Dutch is a foreign language on St. Eustatius, hardly used in everyday life, resulting in pupils only experiencing it in the school environment.
From the first language study two options came up regarding the future language policy of St. Eustatius. The first option involves a switch to English as the instruction language whereby Dutch is taught as a foreign language (option 1). The following option also makes the assumption of a switch to English. But students in their second year of high school, depending on their future plans, can choose between a vocational training direction with English as the instruction language and Dutch taught as a foreign language or a havo/vmbo direction with Dutch as the instruction language (option 2).
The Secretary of State added two additional options: continue with the current (two languages) system, with adjustments in for example the timetable and the teaching material (option 3) and the introduction of English as the instruction language with Dutch as a foreign language, in combination with the exam system of the Caribbean Examination Council, known as the “CXC” system (option 4).
These four mentioned options were examined in the feasibility study. Each option was addressed during this study with three questions:
• What adjustments would be needed, for example when it concerns methods, materials, exams and teachers?
• How should an eventual transition take place, for example: what would this mean for the pupils who are in school now?
• What are the expected consequences for example, the learning achievement and moving up options?
From the feasibility study option four (English as instruction language in combination with the “CXC” exam system) appears as the option that best suits the local context and education opportunities on St. Eustatius. What the instruction language is concerned, the conclusion from the feasibility study is that the great majority of the pupils on St. Eustatius is better off with getting a good foundation in standard English, being the language closest to their native language Statia-English. English is the preferred instruction language, given the geographical location of the island and the fact that English is a universal language, according to the researchers of the feasibility study.
This does not mean that Dutch is out of the question. On the contrary: both language studies show that the Statia population give much importance to the fact that their children develop good language skills in both Dutch and English. The feasibility study subscribes the recommendation from the first study to teach Dutch as a foreign language. For students who want to study in the Netherlands or on the ABC Islands, an additional intensive course in Dutch will be required after finishing their high school education.
Regarding the exam structure, the feasibility study recommends the general education on mavo/havo level to fit in with the recognized English exam system that is used throughout the Caribbean Commonwealth: the “CXC” exam structure of the Caribbean Examination Council. This is because experts do not recommend the translation of Dutch exams because of nuances that could be lost in the formulation of assignments. In addition, differences between the European and Caribbean lifestyle could conflict in understanding the exam assignments. Sint Maarten and Saba are also using the “CXC” exam system. Additional modules were developed for Saba to comply with the final Dutch havo-level attainment targets; these can also be used on St. Eustatius.
The vocational stream needs more customization because these students should be able to enroll into the local labor market, therefore it needs a proper alignment with the local employment situation.
Secretary of State, Sander Dekker and Commissioner Reginald Zaandam reached consensus about the transition to English as the language of instruction on St. Eustatius. The other recommendations brought forward by the feasibility study, including the recommendation to adapt the “CXC” examination system, will be discussed with the education stakeholders on the island. In the week of June 23rd coming, education stakeholders as well as the rest of the Statian population will be further informed about these topics through meetings and radio programs, amongst others.