Carib Scope

分类： education

  • Changes to administration of PEP to accommodate students impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    Changes to administration of PEP to accommodate students impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant policy shift, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has unveiled comprehensive modifications to both the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) administration framework and the National Standards Curriculum. These strategic adjustments directly address educational disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage last October.

    Acting Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle formally announced these developments during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. The reforms represent a structured response to maintain educational continuity while ensuring academic standards remain intact.

    The ministry has executed substantial revisions to learning objectives across multiple grade levels. For Language Arts at the grade-six level, educational targets have been strategically reduced from 138 to 90 core objectives. Similarly, mathematics objectives for grade four have been condensed from 124 to 48 essential competencies. These refined focus areas represent the fundamental knowledge requirements for student progression.

    Thomas-Gayle emphasized that these curricular modifications preserve educational integrity: “I want to reassure the public that condensing to a smaller number of objectives, the students will not be at a loss. We have identified the most essential learning outcomes that students must achieve to advance successfully.”

    The ministry has distributed revised curriculum materials through both hard copies to hurricane-affected regions and electronic versions to other parishes, ensuring nationwide access to updated educational resources.

    Concurrently, the ministry has finalized PEP examination components following extensive stakeholder consultations. Grade-six students will undertake ability testing (40 multiple-choice items), mathematics curriculum-based testing (60 items), and Language Arts curriculum-based testing (60 items) between April 29-30, 2026. Grade-five assessments will focus exclusively on performance tasks featuring four to six open-ended questions in Language Arts and mathematics, scheduled for June 10, 2026. Grade-four literacy and numeracy testing will occur on June 24, 2026.

    Notably, the placement mechanism for students advancing to high school remains unchanged, incorporating performance metrics from grade-four (2024), grade-five (2025), and grade-six (2026) PEP components. However, a new placement system will govern grade-nine transitions following the suspension of the 2026 grade-nine achievement test.

  • Taiwan (MOFA) Scholarships 2026 Open for Applications

    Taiwan (MOFA) Scholarships 2026 Open for Applications

    The Nevis Island Administration’s Ministry of Human Resources has officially announced the opening of applications for the prestigious Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Scholarships for the 2026 academic year. This initiative provides exceptional educational opportunities for qualified candidates from Nevis to pursue both undergraduate and graduate studies in Taiwan.

    The comprehensive scholarship package encompasses all essential academic expenses, including round-trip airfare, accommodation arrangements, full tuition coverage, comprehensive health insurance, textbook provisions, and substantial monthly living allowances. This financial support structure ensures selected scholars can focus entirely on their academic pursuits without financial constraints.

    Prospective applicants must adhere to specific submission requirements, which include a completed application form, certified copies of passport documentation, highest educational credentials and academic transcripts authenticated by St. Kitts’ Ministry of Education, proof of application to a Taiwanese educational institution or affiliated Mandarin Training Center, and two formal reference letters. All documentation must meet clarity and precision standards for consideration.

    While Mandarin language training remains optional, candidates must provide evidence of application to either Mandarin language programs or English-taught degree programs. The application deadline for submission to Ms. Carol Boddie at the St. Kitts Ministry of Education is Friday, February 27th, 2026, for necessary certification and subsequent processing.

    Additional information regarding eligibility criteria and application procedures is available through the official Study in Taiwan portal at https://www.studyintaiwan.org/how-to-apply/program. Interested parties may also contact designated education officials at the Nevis Island Administration Ministry of Human Resources or the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Basseterre for further assistance.

  • Founder of School of the Nations dies

    Founder of School of the Nations dies

    Georgetown, Guyana – The educational community is mourning the loss of Brian O’Toole, the Australian educator who co-established Guyana’s prestigious School of the Nations. O’Toole passed away on Saturday night at age 71 while receiving treatment at a Georgetown medical facility, according to family representatives.

    O’Toole’s educational legacy began three decades ago when he and his wife Pamela founded the School of the Nations in 1996. The institution has since grown into one of Guyana’s most respected educational establishments, known for its innovative curriculum and commitment to academic excellence.

    The educator had been hospitalized for several days prior to his passing, though specific details regarding his condition were not disclosed by family members. His departure marks the end of an era for the institution he helped build from its inception.

    School of the Nations has earned recognition for its unique educational approach that blends academic rigor with character development, serving both local and international students in Guyana’s capital city. O’Toole’s vision for the school emphasized holistic education that prepared students for global citizenship while maintaining strong roots in Guyanese culture and values.

    The passing of the Australian-born educator has prompted an outpouring of condolences from alumni, parents, and educational professionals across Guyana and beyond. Many have taken to social media to share memories of O’Toole’s dedication to educational innovation and his personal commitment to students’ success.

    The school administration is expected to release an official statement regarding succession plans and memorial arrangements in the coming days. Educational analysts note that O’Toole’s contribution to Guyana’s private education sector has left an indelible mark on the country’s academic landscape.

  • Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched an innovative educational initiative that is transforming regional learning approaches. The newly introduced Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) program, currently in its pilot phase for the May/June examinations, has demonstrated remarkable demand across member states.

    CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wayne Wesley revealed during a recent press conference in Kingston that the pilot program has been substantially oversubscribed. While initial projections anticipated 3,000 participants, actual registrations have surged to 6,453 candidates across 13 Caribbean nations utilizing 48 examination centers. Jamaica alone accounts for 1,334 of these registrations.

    The CTEC framework represents a paradigm shift in educational delivery, structured around three distinct learning tracks designed to accommodate diverse student needs. These include an advanced accelerated track with compressed programming, a standard two-year general track, and an individualized flexible track with extended programming options.

    Dr. Wesley emphasized the program’s student-centric philosophy: ‘Within this construct, the learner is at the focus of what we are treating with. We’ll be dealing with the learning style of the individual, the learning rate and the learning depth—how students learn, the pace at which they learn and the amount of content that they can absorb.’

    A significant innovation within CTEC is its modular approach to subject completion. Senior Manager for Examinations Development and Production Alton McPherson explained that CXC will pilot CSEC mathematics module 1 within the CTEC framework during the upcoming examinations. This modular structure allows students who exit the system to re-engage at their point of departure rather than restarting entire syllabi.

    The council has implemented comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies across all participating territories. These initiatives include orientation sessions, practice examinations, and familiarization with new digital registration and examination platforms leading up to the formal assessments.

    Maintaining rigorous academic standards, CTEC qualifications are administered at equivalent levels to the established Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), utilizing identical syllabi to ensure educational consistency across the region’s certification frameworks.

  • CXC Releases New Literacy and Numeracy Standards for Lower Secondary Schools

    CXC Releases New Literacy and Numeracy Standards for Lower Secondary Schools

    In a significant move to elevate educational outcomes across the region, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has formally introduced a new framework of learning standards targeting literacy and numeracy. Designed specifically for students in grades one through three of secondary education, these benchmarks represent a coordinated regional strategy to bolster foundational skills and address persistent achievement disparities.

    The official unveiling was conducted by CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Wesley, during a press briefing in Kingston this Wednesday. Mr. Wesley emphasized the critical role of the new standards, characterizing them as indispensable tools for both educators and assessors. He detailed that the framework is engineered to provide clear, consistent expectations for student performance, thereby guiding instructional methods and shaping assessment criteria across participating Caribbean nations.

    This initiative is a direct response to comprehensive data and regional reports that have highlighted uneven academic preparedness among secondary school entrants. By establishing a unified set of expectations, the CXC aims to create a more equitable and standardized educational landscape, ensuring that all students, regardless of their territory, acquire the essential competencies required for academic success and future workforce readiness. The rollout of these standards is anticipated to prompt a review of curricular materials and teaching methodologies throughout the region’s educational systems.

  • Late Scholarship Payments Strain Schools Again

    Late Scholarship Payments Strain Schools Again

    A recurring financial crisis is once again troubling educational institutions across Belize as the new school term begins, with administrators reporting significant delays in receiving government scholarship and grant disbursements. This persistent issue, now surfacing at the start of the January 2026 term, has left numerous schools struggling to meet basic operational expenses including utilities and daily administrative costs.

    The pattern has become familiar: complaints initially emerge at the local level through Area Representatives before escalating to the national Ministry of Education. School administrators describe the situation as creating substantial cash flow problems that directly impact educational operations and resource allocation.

    In response to growing concerns, Education Minister Francis Fonseca has acknowledged the challenges while highlighting the government’s expanded financial commitment to education. “Whenever we receive reports of schools experiencing shortfalls, we work directly with them to address these issues,” Fonseca stated. He emphasized that the Belizean government has “dramatically increased its budget for financial assistance to students over the past five years,” providing support to students “at all levels in an unprecedented way.”

    The Minister attributed recent payment delays partially to disruptions caused by the Christmas holiday period while offering assurances that all outstanding payments would be resolved throughout January. Fonseca specifically referenced a recent approval of an additional five million dollars for the Ministry of Education during the last parliamentary session, signaling continued government investment in educational support systems.

    This situation represents an ongoing tension between increased governmental funding for education and administrative execution, highlighting systemic challenges in fund distribution mechanisms that affect educational institutions nationwide.

  • No Campus, No Classrooms for Caye Caulker High School

    No Campus, No Classrooms for Caye Caulker High School

    The Ocean Academy, Caye Caulker’s sole high school, has commenced its new academic term under extraordinary circumstances—entirely without access to its primary campus. For over three weeks, students have been attending classes in borrowed and repurposed spaces including community centers, as their original school facilities remain shuttered due to severe flooding, mold infestation, and critical safety hazards.

    Principal Noemi Zaiden describes the profound operational challenges, noting that limited access to even these temporary spaces disrupts elective courses and general instruction. “It’s starting to wear on just even the resilience of the teachers and the students,” Zaiden stated, highlighting the strain after weeks of displaced learning.

    The situation has escalated into a pressing public issue, with parents, educators, and students collectively urging governmental intervention. In response, Education Minister Francis Fonseca announced the Ministry is exploring immediate remedies, including providing access to ministry-owned land for temporary structures.

    Minister Fonseca clarified the government’s complex position, emphasizing that as a private institution, Ocean Academy does not fall under direct governmental obligation. However, acknowledging the community’s needs, he committed to collaborative efforts with local representatives and educational stakeholders. Fonseca also revealed a long-term solution: a multi-million dollar project earmarked for Caye Caulker that promises new, modern primary and high school facilities designed to serve future generations.

  • CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched its January 2026 examination period with significant advancements in digital assessment technologies and regional education reform. With over 10,000 candidates participating in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the council is implementing a strategic shift toward complete digitalization of all testing within the next three to five years.

    During a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley unveiled comprehensive updates on CXC’s evolving examination framework. The current January sitting, running through January 29th, utilizes the council’s digital e-assessment and hybrid systems. Following this period, CXC will immediately commence preparations for the May-June examinations, which anticipate over 100,000 candidates and more than 600,000 subject entries across CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programs.

    Dr. Wesley presented two foundational documents representing CXC’s renewed focus on educational standards: learning standards for literacy and numeracy, and standards with performance criteria for primary exit examinations. These resources establish benchmark proficiencies aligned with regional and international requirements. The literacy and numeracy standards specifically guide pedagogical approaches during the first three years of secondary education, while the updated Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) standards target enhanced primary-level instruction outcomes.

    A standout development is the remarkably successful Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) pilot, exceeding participation projections by more than 50%. Initially designed for 3,000 learners, the program attracted 6,453 candidates across all 13 CXC member states through 48 examination centers. Alton McPherson, supporting the pilot rollout, outlined the structured implementation timeline from January to March. Candidates will receive orientation on the Surpass platform, which will administer Paper One electronically and Paper Two in hybrid format, followed by comprehensive practice testing.

    The assessment process incorporates meticulous technical preparation between March and April, ensuring candidates can upload School-Based Assessments (SBAs), download timetables, and meet e-test readiness requirements. CTEC results will be addressed during the July-August results period, with comprehensive data analysis and qualitative feedback informing the full program rollout scheduled for June 2027.

    Dr. Wesley also emphasized CXC’s commitment to accessibility, referencing the council’s adherence to the Marrakesh Treaty. For the 2025 examinations, special arrangements accommodated 3,444 candidates with visual impairments and other special needs. The council continues to refine technologies and approaches to ensure full and equitable participation for all candidates regardless of ability.

    The Board of Governors has formally approved a comprehensive disaster and business recovery protocol featuring six implementation steps: initial response and support statement, coordination with education ministries, stakeholder consultation, recommendation development, board review, and measured implementation with ongoing evaluation. This protocol ensures continuity when member states experience disasters or unusual events.

    Dr. Wesley concluded with an optimistic outlook for 2026, inviting regional partnership in CXC’s mission to “ignite the potential and shape the future of our Caribbean people” through resilient stakeholder engagement, improved operational processes, and inclusively expanded service access.

  • CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    In response to widespread flight cancellations stemming from the Venezuelan situation, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has successfully deployed its digital assessment infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted January 2026 examinations for affected candidates. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Wesley announced at a Wednesday press conference in Kingston that the council immediately activated both e-assessment and hybrid examination platforms to accommodate students facing travel disruptions during the critical examination period.

    This technological intervention forms part of CXC’s comprehensive modernization initiative, with ambitious plans to transition all examinations to digital formats within the next three to five years. Currently, over 10,000 regional candidates are participating in January examinations running from January 22nd through 29th, utilizing these digital and hybrid assessment methods. Thursday’s examination schedule featured English B Paper Two and Human and Social Biology Paper Two administrations.

    Following the January examination session, CXC will shift focus toward preparing for the significantly larger May-June examination period, which anticipates over 100,000 candidates registering for more than 600,000 subject entries across both CSEC and CAPE qualification levels.

    Wesley emphasized the council’s unwavering commitment to educational continuity, noting CXC’s five-decade legacy as a CARICOM treaty organization. ‘The work at CXC never stops,’ Wesley stated, reaffirming confidence in the continued regional and international recognition of the council’s qualifications despite contemporary challenges.

  • CXC: CTEC pilot programme oversubscribed

    CXC: CTEC pilot programme oversubscribed

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has reported overwhelming regional interest in its newly launched Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) program, with enrollment figures dramatically surpassing initial projections. During the organization’s first press conference of the year, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley announced that the innovative program had attracted 6,443 candidates across all 13 member states, far exceeding the anticipated 3,000 participants for the pilot phase.

    The CTEC initiative represents a significant departure from traditional educational assessment models by introducing a modular qualification system. This approach deconstructs conventional CSEC and CAPE subjects into smaller, more manageable units, granting students unprecedented flexibility in pursuing certification. The program offers three distinct pathways—accelerated, general, and extended—ensuring broader accessibility and increased certification opportunities while maintaining the established syllabus with a renewed emphasis on competency-based evaluation.

    Alton McPherson, Senior Manager of Examinations Development and Production at CXC, provided detailed operational insights into the pilot program’s implementation. The council will conduct its initial pilot in Mathematics Module One during the May/June 2026 examination period, with participation confirmed across 13 territories including Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and several Eastern Caribbean nations.

    The comprehensive implementation strategy involves candidate orientation on the Surpass digital platform from January to March 2026, followed by extensive preparation activities through April. The assessment approach will combine electronic testing for Paper 1 with a hybrid methodology for Paper 2. CXC has allocated July and August for final assessments, data collection, and qualitative feedback analysis to ensure seamless full-scale implementation in June 2027. Results will be released concurrently with traditional CSEC outcomes in August 2026.

    Jamaica emerges as a significant participant with 1,334 candidates distributed across nine examination centers, demonstrating the program’s substantial regional penetration and highlighting the Caribbean’s readiness for educational innovation.