Education System in Mauritius

Overview of Mauritius

Mauritius, officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 900 miles east of Madagascar. This beautiful archipelago comprises the main island of Mauritius, along with smaller islands including Rodrigues, Agalega, and St. Brandon. With a population of around 1.27 million residents, Mauritius boasts a literacy rate of 84.4%. While English serves as the official language, it is spoken by a minimal percentage of the populace. Most Mauritians communicate in a local Creole dialect, and both English and French are utilized as mediums of instruction in the education system. The country is recognized for its high per capita income, one of the highest in Africa, and has historical significance as the home of the now-extinct dodo bird.

Introduction to the Education System

The education system in Mauritius has been shaped significantly by the British educational model and has remained a priority for national development since the country gained independence. The system emphasizes free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 12, ensuring that all children have access to basic education. The Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology supervises the educational framework, which encompasses various levels of schooling from primary through tertiary.

Education Levels

Primary Education

• Age of Entry: Children typically commence their primary education at the age of 5.

• Duration: The primary education cycle spans 6 years.

• Curriculum: The curriculum comprises a diverse range of subjects, including:

  • English
  • French
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Geography
  • History

• Certification: Upon completion of the primary education cycle, students are awarded the Certificate of Primary Education.

Secondary Education

• Duration: Secondary education lasts for a total of 5 years.
• Examinations: Following the initial 4 years of secondary education, students are required to take the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Levels) examinations, which cover at least 6 subjects.
• Further Education: After completing the O-Levels, students have the option to continue their education for an additional 2 years, culminating in the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Levels) examinations. These examinations are conducted by the University of Cambridge.

Vocational Education

In Mauritius, vocational education is supported by the Industrial Training Board, an ISO 9001-certified organization dedicated to enhancing the skill set of the workforce. The board provides various services, including:

• Training programs
• Consulting services
• Train-the-trainer initiatives

Tertiary Education

Mauritius offers a robust tertiary education landscape featuring a variety of institutions, such as:

• Universities
• Polytechnics
• Institutes of Education
• Distance Learning Centers
• Institutes of Traditional Studies

The University of Mauritius, established in 1965, stands as the oldest and most distinguished tertiary institution in the country. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, now encompassing faculties in:

• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Law & Management
• Science
• Social Sciences & Humanities

Additionally, the university operates several centers dedicated to:

• Distance Education
• Medical Research and Studies
• Information Systems and Technology
• Consulting Services

Teacher Training

Teacher training in Mauritius is primarily conducted at the Mauritius Institute of Education. Admission to teacher training programs requires candidates to achieve a minimum of 5 passes, including English and French, on the GCE O-Level examinations, or to have 2 passes on the GCE A-Level examinations. The training programs are designed as follows:

• Primary School Teacher Training: A 2-year and 3-month program culminating in the Teacher's Diploma Primary.
• Secondary School Teacher Training: A 2-year full-time or 3-year part-time program leading to the Teacher's Diploma Secondary.
• Postgraduate Teacher Training: For those holding a Bachelor's degree, a 2-year part-time program leads to the Post Graduate Certificate in Education, qualifying them to teach at the secondary school level.

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In summary, the education system of Mauritius is characterized by its structured approach, prioritization of accessibility, and a commitment to preparing students for both academic and vocational success.