Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why a new secondary level programme and examination from CXC?
CXC has developed this new secondary level programme in response to a need from policy makers and educators across the region for a secondary level programme, examination and certification that will meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities.
2. How is this new programme different from Basic and General Proficiency?
This new programme, the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC), is different from the Basic and General Proficiency in its philosophy and orientation, in that, it is based on a core of knowledge skills, attitudes and values that all secondary school leavers should have. It focuses on mastery of competencies and this is reflected in the assessment procedures and the format of the performance reports.
3. To whom is the programme targeted?
The core programme incorporates the skills, abilities, attitudes and values that all secondary school leavers should have. The programme is very flexible and makes provision for students of a wide range of abilities. Students may qualify using subjects from a variety of sources and may enter for one or more CCSLC subjects at a sitting. Students will be assessed when they have demonstrated readiness, and will, therefore, be able to take the CCSLC examinations at different stages of their secondary schooling.
4. How is the programme structured?
The programme has two parts – a core of CCLSC Mathematics and English and several options from which candidates must choose an additional three subjects. These other options span: available CSEC Business, Arts and TVET subjects; four other syllabuses developed specifically for the CCSLC; regionally-available Level 1 TVET programmes; some programmes from other boards; and locally certified enrichment programmes. Each CCSLC syllabus contains five modules.
5. What is the role of teacher assessment in the programme?
The assessment approaches outlined in the available six CCSLC syllabuses (Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Integrated Science, French, Spanish) comprise teacher assessment and an external assessment. The teacher assessment is both formative and summative. The emphasis is on mastery of competencies, therefore, the teacher is encouraged to provide much opportunity for the students to acquire the competencies identified in any given module. For the summative assessment at the end of each of the five modules, the syllabuses give a generic task and a scoring rubric or mark scheme. The teacher is encouraged to administer the summative assessment only when the students are ready for assessment on that module.
The assessment methods and tasks suggested in the CCSLC syllabuses are examples of good practice and may therefore be adapted for use in other contexts and programmes.
6. How will the teacher assessment be used for the CCSLC syllabuses?
The teacher will combine the mark shown for the summative assessment at the end of each of the five modules and submit one mark only for each candidate for each subject. While no samples will be required, CXC reserves the right to ask teachers, on a random basis, and in consultation with Ministries of Education to submit samples of students’ work.
7. What is the nature of the external assessment for the CCSLC syllabuses?
The external assessment will be administered by CXC and will comprise 50 Multiple Choice questions for each subject.
8. How much time is allowed for a candidate to obtain the CXC certification?
Candidates must complete the programme within three years of registering for the first subject (s); however, only qualifications gained after 2006 would be eligible for consideration.
9. How will performance on CCSLC courses be reported?
CXC will combine the Teacher Assessment mark and the External Assessment mark. A candidate with a total of 75 to 100 percent will be certified ‘Master’, with 50 to 74 percent ‘Competent’ and below 50 percent ‘Developing Competence’. Each candidate will receive a pre-slip statement after each CCSLC examination completed.
10. Is there a limit to the total number of subjects which may be done?
There is no limit to the total number of subjects which may done, provided that they include five which satisfy the minimum criteria. These programmes must satisfy the standards and assessment procedures defined by CXC in the criteria provided to Ministries of Education. The assessment of all local enrichment programmes will be done at the national level.
11. How will achievement on the CCSLC programme be reported?
Candidates who successfully complete the CCSLC Mathematics and English courses and three other eligible courses, must apply through their local Ministry of Education for the CCSLC.
This certificate will be jointly awarded by CXC and local Ministry of Education. Students will also receive a transcript from the Ministry of Education. The transcript will include details from the CXC pre-slips and details of locally certified subjects.
12. How does the CCSLC programme articulate with existing programmes?
In creating CCSLC syllabuses, the panels took into consideration programmes developed at the national levels. It is not by chance, therefore, that the CCSLC syllabuses - which are based on competencies, map onto existing programmes, including those based on syllabuses for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate. This new programme, therefore, articulates with existing programmes.
13. Will special teacher training be required?
No special teacher training is required. The syllabuses provide detailed guidance for the delivery of the programmes. Each syllabus provides, for each objective, subject content and a variety of suggested teaching/learning and assessment strategies.
14. What additional resources are required?
Resources already available for teaching at the secondary level will be adequate.
15. How does this programme prepare persons for employment?
In the development of the syllabuses, the panels incorporated content, competencies, attitudes and values that are required for the work place. For example, emphasis is placed on written and oral communication and the requirements and indicators of good work ethics. In addition, CXC is continuing its consultations with employers to ensure that the syllabuses are appropriate for preparing students for entry-level employment.
16. When will the first examination take place?
The first examination will be in June 2007. The Teacher Assessment is due on 30 June, 2007 and Registration no later than 31 January, 2007.
January 17, 2007
