Figure 1.--Here are the children at a primary school in a rural village near Ruacana in northern Namibia. Small schoolslike this have brought education to virtually all Namibian children. The program begins with the native languages and gradually shifts into English.

Namibia achieved independence (1990). We have only limited information on the school system at this time. The Constitution of independent Namibia provides for free education until age 16 years or until children complete their primary education. English is the official language, primarily because it is a common language. Some 12 native languages are used in the beginning primary years with English gradually introduced anbd used for the upper grades and univerity education. Children begin primary school at age 6 years. Some for some reason bein later. There are 7 years of primary education (grades 1-7). This is followed by 3 years of junior secondary school (Grades 8-10). Many children end their schooling at this point. And unlike earlier grades, grade 10 can usually not be repeared to earlyn the Junior Secondary Certificate. There is a non-formal education sector. The next step is Senior Secondary School, a program with high acadeic standards (grades 11-12). Stidents finishing this program are awarded the Senior Secondary Certificate qualification, either the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) or the Higher International General Certificate of Education (HIGCSE), depending on the program chosen. Until recently there were few Namibian secondary school graduates, let alone universuty graduates. Thus Naminia turned to Britain for assistance in both secondary and univerity education. IGCSE exam papers are set and marked in Namibia, but moderated by Cambridge University. HIGCSE question papers are set, marked and moderated by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. We do have information on a private school, the Windhoek Gymnasium. Another important private school is Höhere Privatschule in Windhoek. This German-language private highschool was established in 1909 and is reportedly more popular than ever. It is one of the largest German international schools in Africa.

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Created: 11:38 AM 6/5/2014
Last updated: 11:38 AM 6/5/2014