The Caribbean Examinations Council has announced a new assessment framework aimed at protecting the integrity of regional examinations. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Wayne Wesley said the changes follow extensive consultations across 21 Caribbean countries. He stressed that CXC is not opposed to students using artificial intelligence to learn, but that the council must act to ensure examination results genuinely reflect a student’s own work. Dr Wesley noted the School Based Assessment has served Caribbean students for nearly 50 years, but said the integrity of the region’s qualifications is not negotiable.
Under the new framework, SBAs remain in subjects requiring practical or project-based work, including Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Food, Nutrition and Health. CXC says moderation in these subjects will also be strengthened.
For theory-based subjects the traditional SBA will be phased out. Affected subjects include Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business and Information Technology. Students will instead sit Paper 032, currently used as the alternative to the SBA. The revised Paper 032 will still involve extended work but will be completed under examination conditions, with students receiving their topic a month in advance, additional time, and permission to bring reference notes into the examination room.
Director of Operations Dr Nicole Manning said the new design preserves reflective learning while restoring confidence in the authenticity of students’ work.
Paper 032 replaces the SBA in non-practical subjects from May/June 2027, with 2027 a transition year in which schools may choose either option. From May/June 2028 all CSEC candidates in non-practical subjects must use Paper 032. CXC confirmed existing SBA marks can still be transferred under the current two-year policy, and that from 2027 Paper 032 scores will also be eligible for transfer.
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