Academics

School Curriculum

The Convent High School offers a range of subjects, from first to fifth form. Students are expected to achieve a passing grade in as many subjects as possible to be considered for promotion or graduation.

In the First Form, students are taught English Language, English Literature, Religion, Health and Family Life Education, General Science, Mathematics, Geography, History, Physical Education, Information and Communication Technology, Music, French and Spanish, Art & Craft and Singing.  All post-lunch classes are compulsory.

In the Second Form students are taught all the first form subjects with the exception of Art and Craft and Singing.

Third form students are taught a wide range of subjects including: English Language, English Literature, Religion, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education, Mathematics, Geography, French, Spanish and History. The third form students are asked to keep in mind that the third year of school is option year when they are required to select subjects for CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate). English Language, Mathematics, History, Religion, a Foreign Language and a Biological Science are compulsory. Students are required to obtain creditable passes to qualify for their chosen subject options.

Fourth and Fifth Form are the CSEC preparation years. Students are expected to write the compulsory subjects, except Religion, at CXC CSEC level. All recommendations are made in the first term of fifth form, mainly based on grades from forth form.

Parents and Students should note that options are subject to grades, classroom space and staff availability.

Subjects Offered at CHS

Form 1

Form 2

Form 3

Form 4 and Form 5

Two year program preparing for the External CXC CSEC examination

Academic Levels

Form 1 ≈ Grade 7

Form 2 ≈ Grade 8

Form 3 ≈ Grade 9

Form 4 ≈ Grade 10

Form 5 ≈ Grade 11

Mark to Letter to GPA Conversion

95 > A+ > 4.33

90 > A > 4.00

85 > A- > 3.67

80 > B+ > 3.33

75 > B > 3.00

70 > B- > 2.67

65 > C+ > 2.33

60 > C > 2.00

55 > C- > 1.67

0-54 > F > 0.00

Credit Value

Currently all subjects have been assigned a credit value of 1.00 (i.e. all subjects are of equal weight)

Work Ethics

 Key

Grade Scale

Grade and Criteria (ALL MUST BE MET)

Grade I

Grade II

Grade III

Pass  P

Unsatisfactory U

ALL CRITERIA MUST BE MET. 

EXAMPLE: For a student to receive a Grade I, the student MUST (for that period/term)

Placement

Criteria for Promotion

The criteria for promotion to the next Form/Grade level is different at each Form.

Form 1 to Form 2

Form 2 to Form 3

Form 3 to Form 4

Form 4 to Form 5

Criteria for Enrolment

Form 3 Optional Subjects

Form 2 students moving on to form 3 need to complete a registration form to indicate the foreign language and science subject(s) of interest.

Only one foreign language is available at the Form 3 level.  All students must do a Foreign Language.  The Foreign Language you choose in Form 3 is the Foreign Language you will continue with through to Form 4/5/CXC.  The student's Form 2 mark and teacher report, will be part of final selection to be enrolled in either French or Spanish in form 3.

Choosing Chemistry, Physics or both is optional; however, Form 3 Chemistry and Form 3 Physics are prerequisites for Form 4/5/CXC Chemistry and Physics respectively.  The student's Form 2 science mark and teacher report will be determinants in student's enrollment in Chemistry and Physics in Form 3.

During the General Science course (SCI2), either by terms or specific lessons within the terms 1, 2, or 3, , there is a focus on Chemistry and Physics.  Student performance is used to evaluate readiness for Chemistry and Physics in Form 3.

Detailed Criteria

Chemistry

Physics

Form 4 Optional Subjects

Form 3 students moving on to form 4 need to complete a registration form to indicate the subjects of interest; the subjects for the two year CXC CSEC program (Form 4 through to Form 5)

As part of the daily form 4/5 schedule, all students:

Criteria for enrolment into form 4 subject is based on:

CHS reserves the right to cancel any course or option due to insufficient enrolment.

Subject and Criteria

Additional Mathematics

General Biology

Human and Social Biology (HSB) 

Chemistry 

Physics 

Principles of Accounts

Principles of Business

English Literature

Geography

Physical Education & Sports

Music

Must be a music student for at least two years prior (vocal, practical), or performing vocal or instrument for two years prior.

Graduation

Text Books

Books are expensive, but if the student is to do her homework at all times she must have her own text books and stationery. Too many students spend money on unnecessary items when they could have used the money to buy text books. Students will not be given permission to disturb classes in order to borrow textbooks or other items.

Homework

Homework is given as reinforcement of what is taught in class. Students are given the opportunity through homework to:

Review what was done in class do additional work or exercises to reinforce work taught during a class, given by the teachers.

Homework may include written or oral exercises, practical assignments, reading for reinforcement or preparation for new topics or concepts, and studying for individual or class assessments.

Responsibilities of Students

Students who fail to do or complete homework, without a valid excuse, will receive demerits or in some cases a detention. If there is no improvement, the matter will be brought to the attention of the Principal who will notify the parents/guardians of the students, and where the situation warrants it, arrange a meeting.

Absence at the time homework is assigned by the teacher is not an excuse for not doing homework.

Assessment Types

A student’s progress may be evaluated in a number of ways throughout the year. These include:

Students should expect at least three (3) major assessments each term, in addition to examinations at the end of first term and third term. The first term examination is based on material learnt during the first term, and the third term examination tests all material learnt throughout the entire school year. Any one of these examinations may also assess topics covered in the lower forms.

Group work

It is the school's policy that group work be conducted under the subject teacher supervision. Group work will normally be done during regular class time. Students will never be permitted to meet in groups outside of the school compound.

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that they are well prepared for these assessments even when they are absent when the assessment date is announced by the teacher. Parents are urged to checck online or call the school’s office to be informed of any assessments missed. Students who are absent when an assessment is given, without a written excuse signed by their parents, will be awarded a mark of 0%.

Reports to Parents