School examination policies lack coherence - Sowande
Wheatley suggested on the Umoja radio show aired on November 7, 2013 that a much more coherent view should be taken in relation to the secondary school leaving exams and its position alongside the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examination.
“You’re saying that standardised tests and things like that are negative on the primary school level or they have some negative consequences on the primary school level, but you’re not translating that to school leaving [examinations],” Wheatley argued.
Wheatley said he did not agree with this policy and felt a credit-based policy appeared more practical.
Discussions have since began with members of the community on the introduction of Key Stage Testing in the primary schools which would see students being assessed every two years.
CXC not for everyone
According to the talk show host, the CXC examination was not necessarily for everyone and should not be made mandatory as is being advocated by the Education Minister.
Wheatly stated, “I think if you have a diploma from an accredited school, you will not have a problem moving on to tertiary education, so in terms of the CXCs, I would not necessarily make CXCs mandatory for everyone.”
“I don’t think CXC is for everyone, leave it as it is and encourage people who are on that path to take them and pay for the CXCs themselves,” he contended.
He noted that discussions had been led about increasing the percentage or weighting that school leaving exams contribute to graduating from secondary schools.
Hon. Walwyn stated previously that until the discussion is further developed, he intends to act on the advice of a wide cross-section of teachers to revert to the 60% for exams and 40% for school-based assessment format.
The Education Minister had also suggested that current practices bring the necessity of the school leaving certification system into question.
“In our secondary schools we have a similar situation as we prepare those students to sit the national school leaving exams. Those exams count for 15% of the grade required to pass fifth form while 85% of the grade is based on course work in Forms Four and Five.” Hon. Walwyn said.
He added, “So though we make a very big deal about the school leaving exams, it is very possible that a student can meet their graduation requirements without even sitting the exams.”
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10 Responses to “School examination policies lack coherence - Sowande”
Sowande is passed sickening now. As a Lecturer and the College and tv/radio host I have NEVER EVER heard him speak of Education concerns. The Minister had a public meeting, hardly anyone went. Did Sowande show up to voice his concerns? I don't know but doubt it.
They should be more proud of their parents.
could you believe I got an email from M*W claiming that he did this and that in 2 so called short years when in fact he never mention the firing of staff, the 100 g dinner, the cost of the mole and the victimization he better wheel and come again with he pi$$
Sowande my my my must you always a...k persons to make yourself seem important? I support the minister because he knows that with regards to education standards we are far behind. In most caribbean countries they look at CXC or Cape prior to entry to any university as it the standard for all caribbean countries. School Leaving Certificate is not enough. Saying you should leave it up the students really ??? Some of these students are so frustrated just studying for school leaving exam you how much of these students do you think will take part in CXC when they already pass school leaving? Let them do one exam, the exam that is recongized throught out the caribbean and UK.