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Report of the Meeting to Review the Visual Arts Syllabus

45. The SUBSEC received the report of Review Committee for the Visual Arts Syllabus and
noted the background from first syllabus publication to first examination. Members were
taken through the general amendments proposed for the syllabus and noted in particular the
addition of Digital Photography to Graphic and Communication Design as well as the
renaming of the Expressive Form to Digital Photography and Visual Communication. The
SUBSEC also noted the format of the assessment which comprised Paper 01- sixty multiple
choice items; Paper 02 - One Production Paper; and Paper 03/1 (SBA) - A portfolio and a
reflective journal.

46. Dr McLean asked whether any consideration was given for the Visual Arts syllabus to
cover any aspect of digital animation from a design perspective. She added that based on
public sentiments, Visual Arts appears to be a good compliment to Digital Animation. The
Pro-Registrar informed the SUBSEC that consideration would have already been given in
other syllabuses. The Chairman asked that discussions be had with stakeholders as the CXC
move forward with finalization of the document. The Pro-Registrar informed the SUBSEC
that the Panel would be engaged prior to finalization.

47. SUBSEC considered the proposals of the Review Committee and noted that the draft
syllabus would be sent to subject specialists and teachers and the final document submitted
at the April 2018 meeting of SUBSEC for approval.

ITEM 14: THE CXC LANGUAGE FRAMEWORK

48. The SUBSEC received a proposal on the development of a CXC Language Framework
which would guide teaching, learning and assessment. Members heard that the CXC Modern
Languages syllabuses which were developed in the 1980s were developed primarily for the
English Speaking Caribbean. Members also heard that there were fundamental changes to
teaching, learning and assessment of modern languages since those syllabuses were
developed. Members were further reminded that CXC currently offers 11 language
certifications across three levels with an additional two syllabuses under development and
another proposed. The Pro-Registrar informed the SUBSEC that languages presently
represent fifteen per cent of the examinable subjects at the CCSLC®, CSEC® and CAPE®
levels and that the format of all examinations being either oral, written or a combination of
both.

49. The SUBSEC heard that the framework was being proposed to guide teaching,
learning and assessment of subjects in the CXC modern languages suite. It will also be used
to describe the achievement of learners of modern languages in different the skills of
listening, speaking, reading and writing rather than as a whole. It addition, it would make
the shift from the traditional grammar-translation method to a more functional/
communicative approach to language learning; provide a description of language ability on
a scale ranging from beginners to near native/native competence; highlight skills required
at each level and focus on language learning for specific purposes.

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