What is HISEP ?

The High School Equivalency Programme is a secondary education programme for adults over 18 years .

If you :

• have not completed an educational programme at the secondary level
• have not received adequate certification for entry into tertiary-level institutions,

then HISEP is for you.

The subjects in the programme are:

• Language & Communication
• Literature, Culture and The Arts
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Society and Citizenship

These subjects will give you a solid general educational foundation and provide a qualification for securing employment and further studies.

HISEP represents a shift in focus from traditional learning (classroom teaching) to independent, self-directed learning, using self-instructional materials.

Learners who pass all the HISEP tests will be awarded a High School Equivalency Diploma .

Background to HISEP

HISEP is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY), the HEART Trust/NTA,the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET), and the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL).

Some of the models used to develop the programme were:

• Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) syllabus
• The ROSE Programme (Grades 7 to 9)
• The General Education Development (GED) Certificate Programme
• Knowledge and Skills for Life (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD))

HISEP benefits

For the Employer

Find the right workers
Measure worker?s academic and knowledge competencies
Recognize worker?s achievements
Upgrade existing workforce without compromising production

For the Employee

Provides relevant qualifications that are recognized and relevant to work
Equips an individual to gain access to further educational opportunities and work
Ensures a better match of pay to ability and responsibility

Areas of study

Areas of study are:

• Language and Communication
• Literature, Culture and the Arts
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Society and Citizenship

Programme structure

It is flexible, self-instructional; facilitation is provided after work hours
The curriculum and testing materials are practical, language used is relevant to everyday life
Designed to meet the needs of adults

Duration

On average, a learner entering with Grade 10 level education may take 18 months.
Persons entering with Grade 7 level of education may take longer.
Persons with equivalent passes are eligible for exemptions and may take a shorter time .

Steps to HISED

How to get on board:

• Collect, complete, and submit an application form to the HISEP Secretariat. HISEP Programme Application fee is $500 payable to the JFLL account (A/c no. 211047135 NCB Oxford Road Branch)
• Choose and register with an approved HISEP centre.
• Be assessed in foundation English and Mathematics to determine your readiness for the programme.
• Undertake an introductory course in computer studies.
• Purchase the self-instructional package and other supporting materials.
• Work at your own pace either on your own or in a group setting.

Getting trained

Currently, training assistance is available through any of the following HISEP Centres listed below:

• Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning
  - Spanish Town
• Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning
  - Montego Bay
• Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning
  - South Camp Road