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9. Mrs Cheryl Barnabe-Bishop, Grenada representative, opined that in the Caribbean,
from forms 1 to 3 the introduction of Caribbean History was delayed. She added that
Caribbean people may need to look more into the history of the islands. She explained that
if they do not know more about themselves, they will not know where they are going. As a
platform, more students should be allowed to be a part of their history therefore
administrations should urge teachers to teach in a more creative manner.

10. Dr Jeffrey Blaize, Dominica representative, informed the SEC that four decades ago,
history was greatly associated with a sense of identity which Caribbean people appear to be
losing. He opined that teachers do not seem to identify with their history so that they can
share that with students to enable better understanding. Dr Blaize stated that a practical
approach to the teaching of history must be revisited.

11. Dr Marcia Potter, Deputy Chair, suggested that Ministries look at the training of
teachers and stated that the University of the West Indies should play a role in such training.
She also suggested that a committee be established to look at a way forward. The committee
should comprise representatives from the University of the West Indies (UWI), the
Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and
Ministries of Education.

Teacher Training (New Generation Syllabuses)

12. The SEC heard that the CXC took a number of actions to bolster teaching capacity for
the delivery of the content of the new generation syllabuses. To that end, the SEC noted that
discussion on the status of the agreement with the UWI Open Campus to run courses for
teachers was ongoing. The SEC also noted that a number of local teacher training institutions
were engaged to determine how they could assist with the preparation of teachers to deliver
the new generation syllabuses. The SEC further heard that the establishment of a tripartite
taskforce comprising the UWI, CXC and CARICOM was being actioned through the CARICOM
Science Education Sub-Committee and CXC had appointed a Research Assistant to collect the
data and provide information.

Registrar’s Report to Council 2015

13. It was reported that the CXC has made a number of examinations resources available
online which include practice tests, access to examination results and other data relevant to
Ministries of Education and Principals. The SEC heard that practice tests were made
available in preparation for pre-testing which was conducted in April and November each
year and that more practice tests would be made available in December 2016. The SEC also
heard that Principal Associations across Jamaica as well as a number of other stakeholders
across territories were engaged regarding e-testing and other matters related to the future
direction of the CXC.

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