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29. Professor Harris enquired what “psychometrically robust” meant in terms of
reducing the number of questions. The Registrar explained that when an examination paper
offers optional questions it meant that the candidates questions must have the same scope,
demands and issues. Unfortunately, over the years there have been no examination board
able to make those factors equivalent in each question. As a result, scores on those questions
sometimes differ significantly. Examination administrators have begun to tests skills set in
content areas which makes it more logical to give one question. The CXC is trying to ensure
that the organization offers a test that is done by all on the construct of a particular subject
area and that there was no wavering.

30. Mr Seecharan informed the SUBSEC that there was validity to restricting options and
limiting choices. He however cautioned that the CXC needs to ensure that the sampling of
the domain that was being tested was appropriate and there was not an entire question
testing a narrow objective. Mr Seecharan also asked that, against the background of what
occurred in 2017 regarding the SBA, CXC provides a summarized clear explanation of the
requirements for submission of the SBA.

31. The SUBSEC considered the contents of the reports as well as arguments presented
and approved the final drafts of the CAPE® Biology, Chemistry and Physics syllabuses and
specimen examination papers effective for teaching from September 2018 and for
examinations in May–June 2019.

The Report on the Meetings to complete the revision of the Law Syllabus

32. Members received the report on the meetings to complete the revision of the Law
Syllabus and noted the timeline from first publication to revision. Proposed amendments to
the syllabus included a revision of the SBA guidelines to assist teachers with using the
information to guide candidates to demonstrate relevant competencies, skills and abilities
identified in the syllabus. The SUBSEC heard that the assessment comprised Paper 01 –
forty-five multiple choice items, Paper 02 - three compulsory extended-response questions
and Paper 03 - A Research paper. The SUBSEC also heard that Subject Matter Expert, Mr
Haimchan Ramedo, Education Manager, ACCA Caribbean stated that, “when mapped against
professional programmes and certifications awarded by the ACCA, the syllabus was found to
contain common elements.”

33. The SUBSEC noted the comments and proposed changes and approved the final draft
of the CAPE® Law Syllabus as well as specimen examination papers effective for teaching
from September 2018 and for examinations from May–June 2019.

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