Relief for hurricane-hit students sitting external exams

 

The Ministry of Education has announced that an external examination relief strategy has been developed for students adversely affected by Hurricane Melissa. 

 

Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe made the announcement on Sunday following a church service in Mandeville, Manchester to mark the end of Youth Month. 

 

Dr. Troupe emphasized that the well-being of students and the preservation of academic fairness remain top priorities.

 

"City & Guilds, they have indicated that they will give an additional sitting option. So those who are unable to sit if you feel that you're unready for June, there will be an extended sitting for you later down in the school year. So you can move unhindered to continue your education, and the Ministry of Education will work along with them. They have given us books, digital and printed materials. Printed materials will be distributed to those most affected, and those in Kingston and so, we will still make those available to you digitally," said the permanent secretary.

 

She explained that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is currently finalising the best examination support approach for Jamaica.

 

"That includes a look at SBAs, a look at the practical exam; they are looking at the syllabus coverage, they are looking at the modified approach, they are looking at delayed sitting or they are looking at deferred sitting. All of those are opportunities that came out of COVID, that helped to design what we call examination relief," she disclosed.

 

Last month, Dr. Troupe said the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET), which administers the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQJ), postponed the November sitting. 

 

On Sunday, she said the examination was pushed back until February. Dr. Troupe said, if students are still unprepared, it will be further pushed back to June.