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CPEA & Keystage Exams cancelled for VI students - Dr Wheatley

- continuous assessment will be used for grade promotion in COVID-19 era
Minister for Education, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he was forced to cancel two key exams; the Keystage Exams and the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) in the Virgin Islands amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: GIS/File
According to the Minister, the decision came after he considered that there are some students in the territory who still do not have the tools to properly function. Photo: Internet Soul
According to the Minister, the decision came after he considered that there are some students in the territory who still do not have the tools to properly function. Photo: Internet Soul
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Education Minister Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he was forced to cancel two key exams- the Keystage Exams and the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA)- in the Virgin Islands amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This was a difficult decision to make, but I carefully considered the strain that has been placed on teachers, parents and students in adjusting to online education," Dr Wheatley said in a statement released May 31, 2020. 

According to the Minister, the decision came after he considered that there are some students in the Territory who still do not have the tools to properly function via online learning. 

Continuous assessment 

"Though online education is working for many of our students, teachers have a challenge in ensuring students are always completely focused during lessons."

He said, therefore, continuous assessment will be used for promotion from one grade to another for those who will miss the exams. This will include projects, investigations, book reports, quizzes, classwork and kinesthetic assessments."

Dr Wheatley also noted that assessments will be dispensed throughout the term and many have already been conducted.

"This term will only be weighted as 20% of the students’ overall grade for the 2019-2020 academic year, with the Advent and Lent terms accounting for 40% each."

Virtual Graduations 

Meanwhile, graduation requirements for the secondary school students will have to be adjusted based on the impracticality of community service hours. 

"Cabinet has decided that all graduation exercises will be done virtually. This includes all schools, both public and private, no matter the level of student or the size of the class."

Hon Wheatley noted that the measures are being done to keep the population safe throughout the COVID-19 era. "Further guidance on graduation requirements and ceremonies will be forthcoming in the near future."

15 Responses to “CPEA & Keystage Exams cancelled for VI students - Dr Wheatley”

  • Hmm (01/06/2020, 21:24) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's sad that some of the lazy children are getting too comfortable at home. Also, we all know how crappy the internet services are here....some students are having hell to get online
  • madame speaker (01/06/2020, 21:37) Like (7) Dislike (18) Reply
    This dude messed up everything that myrun had in place
    • Reply (02/06/2020, 04:10) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
      Funny man killed educatuon good job dr wheatley
    • 30 years of service (02/06/2020, 06:55) Like (8) Dislike (18) Reply
      Myron F... up the system really bad. A bunch of political/ media hype!!!! The CEO NEEDS TO GO!!!!! I even forgot that title existed when funny man was there. He always took the spotlight and praise. Wheatley need to through out a lot more of the bullshit and ket the teachers teach vs. Then being bogged down with unnecessary paper work.
  • Love Alone (02/06/2020, 01:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    MAY THE GREAT GOD OF THE UNIVERSE CONTINUE TO BE WITH YOU DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.
  • Ghost (02/06/2020, 06:28) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    @madame speaker..No he did not..I am not saying the MW didn’t do good for the Education system but that 12th grade was a fiasco.. The promises of what was shoved down the throat of us parents in that cultural center was never delivered to our students..Minister Wheatley also have an educational vision for the BVI just as MW did.. give the man a chance.. only here and other Caribbean islands ministers can live their entire lives in office.. at times we need to give our young people an opportunity to lead.. He is the best man for this Ministry and also for his district..the people of that area and all of us may continue to have land to call our own in the BVI - I say no more!..
    • new at this (02/06/2020, 15:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Ghost speak for yourself what district are you talking about, surely not the 7th, he won't get no vote from me again
  • trrefdrfds (02/06/2020, 06:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think it was the best decision...cant leave the week ones behind....the internet thing and it issue are a challenge to the week student ...
  • VI Passive (02/06/2020, 08:28) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    He is so right Myrun had educated people paying them a lot of money to make him look smart he is a dunce
  • resident (02/06/2020, 08:45) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    The CPEA should be scrapped permanently. It's useless to our students. It's a a total waste of time and money. The B.V. I needs to get serious about education. It's like they want to try every model. For years we can't seem to decide whether we are going British, American or Caribbean. It's quite frustrating for teachers. Ministry, make up your minds.
  • To the education minister (02/06/2020, 10:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good job through this difficult time....

  • GG (02/06/2020, 12:33) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am just disappointed that major decisions on Education were made without consulting with the fundamental stakeholders - parents. Yes, a survey was conducted early on about online learning. However, parents who are not unemployed or those who must struggle to work remotely or find relatives to hold primary or preschool aged school children when work commitments are not conducive to working from home - this creates major productivity issues for both the parents and children. These concerns appear to have been overlooked or given no consideration - with what appears to be an indefinite closure of schools. Younger children need constant supervision - they cannot be left to work online alone - some parents have tough decisions to make in order to secure their livelihood. Yet no provisions are being made to transition working parents' return to the workplace - no provisions made for safe places for supervised childcare whilst school transition to some form of reopening. Very disappointed to see how working parents and younger children have been ignored in these measures.
    • consultant (02/06/2020, 15:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      While you may feel like no one consulted parents as it relates to care for young children in order for parents to work, just realise for a moment that this corona virus did not consult us.
      Try to understand why it is important for day cares, preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools to remain closed at this time.
  • Ghost (03/06/2020, 09:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @new at this .. yes I’m speaking also of D7.. 8 yrs in power and D7 have always looked like a slum.. still is to some extent but all I’m saying is give Min Wheatley a chance to improve it and other things as well..you speak for u don’t know All!...be thankful u still have a spot to live on.
  • Pointless (03/06/2020, 13:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about those who were not able to complete their community service hours due to the effects of the COVID-19?


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