CXC or no CXC?
In regards to introducing CXC in to the schools, there were mixed emotions. Some parents and teachers agreed that the exams will be of great value to the students of the VI, while others say this is not the time and the exams are not being initiated in the best interest of the students.
The meeting was held May 31, 2012, at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall with Dr. Didacus Jules Registrar and Chief Executive Office (CEO) of CXC, Dr. Gordan Harewood Senior Assistant Registrar of CXC, local CXC Registrar Jillian Douglas Phillip, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Ms. Marcia Potter and Minister Walwyn.
Several comments made by the attendants of the meeting varied to the Minister’s idea of introducing CXC to the schools and making it mandatory.
In regards to the presentation presented by the CXC officials, one parent commended the officials and stated that CXC is good for the students and the country’s future and development.
“With this presentation and information being presented to us, I would hope that the wider Virgin Islands take this opportunity to grasp the information and take advantage of it,” said the parent.
She stated that the current school leaving examination poses as a hindrance to the students in regards to doing the examination and then having to prepare for CXC. “We all wish we didn’t have to do that exam.”
A local teacher agreed that the CXC examinations are indeed good for the VI. She encouraged the parents to take heed and support the Minister in his endeavor.
Another local teacher stated that it is long overdue for the Virgin Islands to be going in that direction. The teacher added that initiating the CXC exams will solve a lot of problems that now exist with the present examination.
“We are in a fiercely competitive world, I think we are moving in the correct direction and I hope we can commence this as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, one parent raised concerns by saying that it is not the right thing to do to introduce CXC to the students when they have already passed the 3rd form level, which is the traditional form where a student begins their CXC studies.
She stated that bringing CXC in the high school at this point versus the present exams, her view is that the students are not ready to sit for it due to the work and assessments needed by CXC when writing the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCLC) exams.
Another parent and a teacher shared the same sentiments. They added that it is too late and the work needed for the CXC exams will take up too much of their time.
Walwyn assured the parents and teachers that he is currently in discussions with private organisations and persons who are former educators to see how they can return to the education arena and assist as support mechanisms to the students in ensuring that they are well versed and prepared in sitting any CXC exam.
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