Page 62 - CAPE Financial Services Syllabus Macmillan_Neat

RATIONALE FOR SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT IN FINANCIAL SERVICES STUDIES

The School-Based Assessment component of the CAPE® Financial Services Studies Syllabus is a single
guided research consisting of objectives from one or more of the Modules in the syllabus. The task is
intended to develop in the candidate an interest in self-directed investigation and the collection of
data in a scientific manner. The execution of the SBA assignment should lead to a sense of
accomplishment while facilitating the development of the basic skills of research. Teachers should
regard School-Based Assessment as an integral part of teaching the syllabus and not as a separate
entity.

The School-Based Assessment should:

1. provide the candidate with an opportunity to investigate an area of special interest within the
prescribed syllabus;

2. develop the candidate’s ability to conduct an enquiry and present, analyse and evaluate the
findings; and,

3. provide an opportunity for the teacher to be involved in the evaluation process.

SBA REQUIREMENTS

Every candidate who enters for the CAPE® Financial Services Studies examination must submit a
research paper. Students may work individually or in groups to carry out the research. The paper
should not exceed 1,500 words in length and should include charts, graphs, tables and pictures which
are appropriate for the topic and the discipline being studied.

The teacher will be required to approve the topic to be investigated, guide the candidate during the
process of investigation, mark the completed work according to the guidelines provided by CXC® and
submit the marks to CXC® by 31 May of the year of the examination.

CXC® will indicate through the e-SBA system found on the Council’s website www.cxc.org , the specific
guidelines and requirements for moderation, submission, and other matters relevant for each
examination period. Total marks awarded for the School-Based Assessment research is 60. Teachers
must maintain strict adherence to the guidelines for the project. The reliability of the marks awarded
is a significant factor in School-Based Assessment, and has far-reaching implications for the students’
final grade. Candidates who do not fulfil the requirements for the School-Based Assessment will be
reported as “ungraded”.

SOURCES OF DATA AND INFORMATION

The sources of data listed below can be used by candidates in their research activities.

(i) The business section of local newspapers.

(ii) Statistical reports such as national income statistics, balance of payments statistics, surveys
results, household budgetary surveys, annual economic reports of Central Banks, Ministries
of Finance and Planning Units, questionnaires and interviews.

(iii) Annual reports of firms in the region.

CXC A38/U2/16 57