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CXC holds firm on July 2020 exam timetable

May 18th, 2020 | Tags:
Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). Photo: Internet Source
LOOP BARBADOS

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS - Despite regional opposition, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has stood by its decision to hold its examinations in July this year.

In a press conference held via Zoom, Registrar Dr Wayne Wesley emphasized that the decision made by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) was final.

The announcement of the revised July 2020 examination schedule received criticism from Jamaica's acting education minister, Karl Samuda, and concerns were expressed by other CARICOM territories over lack of infrastructure to facilitate e-testing.

"The decision from CARICOM is clear. There is a date for the examinations now and this is not a time to create any level of uncertainty with the students or candidates that are prepared. The examination is July. 

"As it relates to technology … where the infrastructure challenges are insurmountable then those persons will have access to the paper-based modality to write their examinations so no one will be disadvantaged if they don’t have e-testing capabilities," the CXC Registrar stressed. 

Wesley reiterated that Jamaica and COHSOD are engaging in bilateral discussions to find an application solution in the COVID-19 environment. However, not all CARICOM countries have stated which modality they wish to implement. The CXC Registrar stated that the territories have until next to indicate whether they have the ability to accommodate e-testing. 

CARICOM territories not only have the option of choosing whether to abide by e-testing or a written examination but both modalities can be used in their territory. 

Wesley assured media that the health and safety of invigilators and students were paramount at testing centres. 

"It is the number one priority of the examination council to ensure the safety and well being of stakeholders during these unprecedented times. All examination centres and navigators will follow the guidelines of national health protocols as it relates to social distancing, the wearing of masks and sanitization. 

"As the management and staff of the Council continue to monitor the emerging situation our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our stakeholders. We continue to work closely with our local registrars to ensure that all the required systems are in place on the ground and wherever there are challenges we continue to overcome such," he said.

The revised examination format will include one complete paper which is multiple choice and the school-based assessment (SBA). The deadline date for SBA's has been extended until June 30 to accommodate students. 

The changed format is inclusive of all subjects with exceptions for Visual Arts, Human and Social Biology, and Modern Languages (Spanish, French, and Portuguese). Foreign language students for CSEC French, Portuguese and Spanish, students are expected to write paper 1, paper 2 and paper 3 which is for the oral examinations. CXC is in engaging with discussions regarding the use of remote conferencing for the oral examinations. 

Human and Social Biology candidates are to write Paper 1 and Paper 2 and for CSEC Visual Arts students are to submit their SBA and reflective journals. Private candidates will complete Paper 1, Paper, 2, Paper3, and Paper 042. 

Results for examinations will be disclosed in the first week of September this year. 

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