New exam in Dominica Primary Schools to be piloted by CXC

Dominica: The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will be meeting with stakeholders over a three-day consultation period ahead of the implementation of a pilot programme in Dominican primary schools; the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) according to a DNO report.

The CPEA responds to calls from regional heads for a regional primary exit examination that assesses key areas of literacy common to all primary curricula including language, mathematics, civics and science.

According to CXC, the CPEA will assist with “the quality measures in the education system and offer a common measure across schools and countries in the region.” CXC says the new exam will also promote feedback to pupils which will improve learning and encourage greater parental participation in the education of their children.  The CPEA is also aimed at helping students achieve at higher levels of education by setting foundations for a seamless transition to secondary education.

The report said that under the CPEA, teachers will not be required to teach a new curriculum but will follow the curriculum that is already in use in Dominican schools. The CPEA will therefore, be based on the various literacy that is common in the curricula across the region.