Virtual Press Conference: Suspension of CXC® Syllabuses

Summary

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) held a press conference to discuss the proposal to suspend certain syllabuses due to low enrollment and resource challenges. The council, along with regional ministers, agreed to continue offering subjects like Agricultural Science and Green Engineering, emphasizing the importance of STEM education for regional development. They highlighted the need for marketing, teacher training, and clear career pathways to boost demand for these programs, which are critical for economic growth and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 📢 The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) held discussions with regional ministers on the proposal to suspend some syllabuses.
• 👤 Dr. Wayne Wesley, CEO and Registrar of the Examinations Council, provided an update on the discussions with regional ministers.
• 📚 The subjects under consideration for syllabus suspension include Cape Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Cape Green Engineering, CC Agricultural Science, and CC Industrial Technology.
• 🤝 The Ministers of Education expressed their commitment to finding a path forward and pledged support for CXC and direct communication.
• 📉 There is a decline in student enrollment in some subjects, with some member states having no students registered at all for certain subjects.
• 🌱 The CXC will continue to offer Agricultural Science, Green Engineering, Industrial Technology, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology.
• 🚀 A new generation of technology and science programs has been rolled out by CXC, including subjects like Biotechnology, Digital Media, and Financial Services.
• 📈 There is a need for a collective regional marketing effort to promote STEM and STEAM education, which are critical for the region's economic growth and sustainable development.
• 🏫 Concerns were raised about the availability of resources, including teachers, labs, and equipment, necessary for the effective delivery of these programs.
• 📉 Some subjects are not considered requirements for entry into university programs, affecting their relevance and demand.
• 🤔 There are concerns about the future demand for certain subjects like Green Engineering, given the lack of current student enrollment and potential career pathways.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the press conference?

The main purpose of the press conference was to provide an update on the discussions with regional ministers regarding the proposal to suspend some syllabuses and to discuss the Caribbean Examinations Council's (CXC) position and future actions.

Who were the key speakers at the press conference?

The key speakers at the press conference were Dr. Wayne Wesley, the CEO and Registrar of the Examinations Council, Dr. Eduardo Ali, the Pro Registrar and Deputy CEO, and Dr. Nicole Manning, the Director of Operations.

What subjects were being considered for syllabus suspension?

The subjects being considered for syllabus suspension included Cape Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Cape Green Engineering, CC Agricultural Science, the double award, and CC Industrial Technology with the mechanical option.

What was the outcome of the meeting with the Ministers of Education regarding the syllabus suspension?

The outcome was that the Caribbean Examinations Council will continue to offer the mentioned subjects, and there was an agreement on the need for a collective regional marketing thrust to promote priority subject areas in STEM/STEAM education and climate-smart agriculture.

What steps will be taken to promote the new generation technology and science programs?

Governments will work in partnership with CXC to build demand for these new programs to ensure their cost viability, and there will be a collective marketing effort to promote the subjects' relevance to the region's economic competitiveness.

What challenges were identified in the delivery of these programs?

Challenges included the availability of teachers, resources in labs, outdated plant and equipment, lack of practical experience for students due to inadequate facilities, and a lack of qualified teaching professionals to teach the broad syllabus.

How did the ministers address the issue of low enrollment in certain subjects?

The ministers agreed on the need for better marketing and communication of the relevance of these subjects to the region's economy and sustainable development, as well as defining clear career pathways for students.

What actions will CXC take to support the integration of new subjects into the curriculum?

CXC will conduct teacher orientation workshops through its Professional Learning Development Institute to sensitize the regions to the available syllabuses and what is required for their integration into schools.

What is the historical registration data for the subjects under consideration for suspension?

The historical data showed a decline in enrollment for some subjects, with some member states having no students registered at all for certain subjects over the last five years.

How will CXC ensure that the communication protocols align with the Ministers of Education's expectations?

CXC is committed to ensuring its communication protocols provide the Ministers of Education with greater visibility of high-level policy recommendations for decision-making.

What is the future outlook for the subjects that were considered for suspension?

The ministers have agreed that these subjects are a priority, and based on research and data, CXC hopes to see an increase in demand for these subjects, coupled with marketing efforts and defined career pathways for students.