Some secondary schools in Antigua and Barbuda are preventing theatre arts students from completing mandatory Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) assessments, according to Antigua Observer. The Department of Culture's Deputy Director, Owen Jackson, made the disclosure while also calling for the establishment of a dedicated performing arts faculty.
Jackson revealed the concerning situation during an interview with Observer media focused on the state of performing arts education in the twin-island nation. His comments shed light on what he described as a broader pattern of institutional neglect toward theatre arts as a legitimate academic discipline.
As reported by Antigua Observer, Jackson expressed frustration over the treatment of theatre arts within the secondary school system, suggesting that the subject is not being afforded the same respect and logistical support as other CXC subjects. The blocking of mandatory assessments represents a direct obstacle to students seeking formal certification in the performing arts.
Beyond the assessment issue, Jackson used the platform to advocate for a dedicated performing arts faculty — a structural change he believes is necessary to elevate the standing of theatre arts in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. Such a faculty, he indicated, would provide the institutional framework needed to properly support both students and educators in the field.
The Deputy Director's remarks raise significant questions about how secondary schools are prioritising arts education and whether students pursuing theatre arts are being denied equal academic opportunities available to their peers in other subject areas.
