Parents of S1 students at CedarBridge Academy have signed a Contract for Academic Success to pledge commitment to their children's education.

The families of the new S1 pupils who risked being retained as M3's in the last academic year met with school staff last week to discuss goals and standards.

Also at the meeting were representatives from the Department of Education.

Addressing staff, pupils and parents, Principal Kalmar Richards outlined her expectations for each of them during the academic year.

This includes: An Individualised Educational Plan for each pupil; withdrawal from one elective to attend extra English and Mathematics classes instead; and attendance at free tutorials, with teachers reserving the right to make them mandatory.

The students will also be expected to gain a pass grade of 70 percent or higher and to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Their attendance and punctuality must reach 97 percent and they must earn the required number of credits.

Students must also receive less than three discipline referrals.

At the meeting each family was also asked to sign a Parent-Student Contract for Academic Success, outlining the student's expectations.

This was then countersigned by Mrs. Richards and Commissioner of Education Wendy McDonell.

Mrs. Richards said: "We are committed to the success of our students.

"The students in this programme will still be held accountable for meeting the high academic standards of the school, while receiving a high level of intervention and support from their teachers.

"I am also expecting that parents will work closely with us to help students to successfully complete their S1 year."

English and Mathematics teacher Disa Oubella said: "I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to empower young children who need my help.

"My main focus is teamwork and communication with all parties involved, especially the parents. I know that I will be successful because I always expect the very best from whoever I teach."

Last month an appeals committee ruled that 24 M3 students who were to be held back due to failing grades were eligible to attend senior school.

The students failed to attain the 50 percent pass mark for English and Mathematics, but an appeal by parents to the Ministry was approved.

Education Minister Elvin James went on to say the Department would work closely with both CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute to make sure each new S1 student would reach the required standards.