CIRCULAR

NO. PSAP 23/2020

REF. NO.: ESC/3 Vol. 21

FROM: PERMANENT SECRETARY

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGICAL
AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

TO: Principals of Public and Private Secondary Schools

DATE: 6 April 2020

Changes to the Administration of CXC May/June Examinations

2020

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training

wishes to inform all schools and centres that the Caribbean Examinations
Council (CXC) has announced a significantly revised strategy for the
administration of the 2020 May/June examinations due to the recent regional
developments associated with the impact of COVID-19 on member states.

2. The Council made a policy decision to offer a modified examination

process. The May/June examinations will now be administered between
29 June to 17 July, 2020 for CSEC and CAPE and 20 July to 22 July 2020
for CCSLC.

3. The fundamental change to the administration of the examinations this

year is the requirement for all candidates to write at least one common paper
which will be Paper 1 (Multiple Choice Assessments) along with School Based
Assessments and Paper 032s (Alternative to SBA) for private candidates.

4. The award of final grades will be based on the moderated SBAs and
Multiple Choice Papers. All Paper 1s will be administered using the e-testing
modality. The Ministry will issue information on the matter of E-Testing in
separate correspondence to the schools and institutions. The Plan is to engage
all institutions to determine the state of readiness and capacity to administer
the E-Testing Paper 1s.

5. The following exceptions should be noted where candidates will be

required to compete additional components. In the case of Modern Languages
(Spanish, French and Portuguese) candidates will be required to complete all
components, that is, Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 (Oral exam). For Human
and Social Biology, candidates will be required to write Paper 2. With respect
to Visual Arts, candidates must complete and submit the Reflective Journal.

6. The proposed revised schedule of regional examinations is intended to

deliver valid grades and minimize the disruption of the education system.
7. It is to be noted that SBAs must be completed and scores keyed in the
ORS. In subjects like Theatre Arts, Music and Physical Education where the
SBAs have a practical component those still have to be completed. At this
time, the conduct of SBA practicals in these subjects will be rescheduled in
due course when the new school term commences.

8. In cases where students have outstanding SBAs in the technical

subjects or Science Labs to be completed, it is proposed that they be
rescheduled when the Trinity Term commences.

9. It is important to note that CXC has extended the deadline for the
submission of SBAs. CSEC SBAs are due on May 31 and CAPE on June
30, 2020 respectively. The new deadline for the submission of SBA
Scores to the Ministry are as follows: CSEC 22 May, 2020; CAPE 19 June,
2020; and CCSLC 17 June, 2020.

10. The On-site and Centre moderation of the following subjects will be
rescheduled when the Trinity Term commences.

Moderation 2020
CSEC Subjects CAPE Subjects
Industrial Technology – Building Building and Mechanical
Industrial Technology – Electrical Engineering (MECH Units 1&2)
Industrial Technology – Mechanical Building and Mechanical
Technical Drawing Engineering (BUILD Units 1&2)
Electrical and Electronic
Engineering Technology Unit 2

Biology Biology (Units 1&2)

Chemistry Chemistry (Units 1&2)
Physics
Integrated Science Physics (Units 1&2)
Agricultural Science
Music Physical Education and Sport (Units
1&2)
Visual Arts Art and Design (Units 1&2)

Performing Arts (Unit 2 Cinematic

Arts)
Performing Arts (Unit 2 Drama)
11. Kindly note that information on the revised examinations Timetables
will be issued as soon as confirmation is received from CXC.

12. Please be guided accordingly.

RODERICK RUDDER, PH.D.

for Permanent Secretary