BAHAMAS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
"Don't Leave School Without It"
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
INTRODUCTION
The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT) recognizes education as essential to enhancing the quality of life of the people of The Bahamas. The specific focus of the Department of Education, therefore, is to prepare young people to become active, globally competitive, caring, and compassionate citizens with the capacity to continuously improve the quality of life for themselves and others. In an effort to ensure that all students have an opportunity to do this, as well as to graduate, it is the Ministry’s desire to see more students qualify as graduates from high school.
To this end, In September 2014, the MOETVT introduced The Bahamas High School Diploma (BHSD) to assist students with qualifying to graduate. The BHSD indicates that the recipients have met the minimum standard of accomplishment during their high school life years.
The first cohort to graduate with a Bahamas High School Diploma (BHSD) was the Class of 2017.
For more information download the brochure
CRITERIA TO EARN A BHSD
Based on The Bahamas High School Diploma Commission (2023) Report there are two (2) pathways with three (3) options which students can obtain a BHSD. A General Pathway (Option 1 and Option 2), and an Honours Pathway.
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The Academic Criterion accepted are as follows:
BHSD (GENERAL – Option 1)
The following highlights the minimum academic criteria for a student to graduate with a Diploma (GENERAL – Option1) from a Public High School.
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Attain four subjects in the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) Examinations including Mathematics, English Language, as well as any two additional subjects administered at the end of the ninth grade.
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On a four-point scale, maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 over the three years, grade 10 - 12.
BHSD (GENERAL – Option 2)
The following highlights the minimum academic criteria for a student to graduate with a Diploma (GENERAL – Option 2) from a Public High School.
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Numeracy/Literacy Equivalent OR BJCs OR City and Guilds, (The credentials will be channelled through NAECOB to the Evaluation and Assessment Division of the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training. If approved, they will be accepted as a criterion for receiving a BHSD.) A career in Aquaculture, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Engineering, etc. is just as important as a career Scientist, or Mathematician, or Lawyer.
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On a four-point scale maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 over the three years, grades 10 - 12.
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BHSD (HONOURS)
The following highlights the minimum academic criteria for a student to graduate with a Diploma (HONOURS) from a Public High School.
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Attain four subjects in the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) Examinations with a “B” pass inclusive of Mathematics, English Language, Science as well as any one additional subject administered at the end of the ninth grade.
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Additionally, attain three (3) BGSCE with a “C” pass or better, or a SAT score of 1000 or better or an ACT score of 20 or better, and three (3) extra-curricular activities, as well as demonstrate Leadership abilities, (school based, community or civic organization).
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Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 over the three years, grade 10 - 12, on a four-point scale.
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The Non-academic Criterion for ALL Pathways are as follows:
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Complete thirty (30) hours of unpaid Community Service on the students’ time during the tenth and eleventh grades.
A student may choose a Community Service Activity within the guidelines provided. They will be required to maintain a record of service activities on a form provided by the school. This form must be signed and verified by the receiving agency.
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Complete twenty (20) hours of Job Readiness Training.
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Maintain 80% or higher attendance and punctuality over the three (3) year period, grades 10-12.
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Maintain 80% punctuality level over the three (3) year period, grades 10-12.
Please note that the student’s conduct may also play a role for participation in the graduation ceremony.
For inquiries you may email The Bahamas High School Diploma Unit at BHSDhelp@moe.edu.bs
For more information please download the brochure
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Revised October 2023