What are the main differences between CXC CSEC examinations and Cambridge A levels and CXC CAPE ?

Level of knowledge
CXC CSEC
§ Prepares the student for CAPE and A level and entry level employment.
§ Grades A – C demonstrate ability to continue study.
§ General factual knowledge.
§ Some critical analysis but mainly demonstrating understanding of the subject.
Cambridge A levels / CAPE
§ Prepares the student for university/tertiary education on a 3 year programme
§ Detailed knowledge equivalent to first year university education in the USA
§ Significantly higher level than CSEC.
§ Critical analysis of the subject.

Study skills needed
CXC CSEC
§ Ability to memorise facts.
§ Clear and accurate but not complex writing.
§ Respond to straight forward questions.
§ Some skill in discussion and analysis.
Cambridge A levels / CAPE
§ Ability to memorise and organise information
§ Ability to respond to complex questions and apply knowledge in response.
§ Ability to think critically about subject and put forward a view.

Teaching method
CXC CSEC
§ Classroom based - teachers leading students’ study.
§ Class size up to 40
§ Some independent study.
§ Single text book and some additional reading.
§ Continual assignments / homework and testing.
Cambridge A levels / CAPE
§ Lectures and tutorials – teachers guiding students’ study.
§ Class size up to 100
§ About 50% of the course will be independent study.
§ Text books and additional reading/research.
§ Larger assignments and 4 exams.

Time constraints
CXC CSEC
§ Based on 5 academic years of study.
§ Syllabus is taught over 5 ½ school terms (60 weeks).
§ Revision and reinforcement through out the course in class.
Cambridge A levels / CAPE
§ Based on 2 academic years.
§ Syllabus is taught over 5 terms (48 weeks).
§ 60% of the syllabus is taught in year 1.
§ Long syllabus means that revision is not possible in detail in class.

Examination method
CXC CSEC
§ School Based Assement continues over 2 years
Cambridge A levels / CAPE
§ Some assessed project work but not as much as in CSEC (varies from subject to subject).

Examination Board

CXC
§ Caribbean based board.
§ Examinations culturally specific for the Caribbean.
§ Examiners from the Caribbean.
§ Students are only from the participating territories in the Caribbean.
§ Standards are based on Caribbean results (and are comparable with UK qualifications)
Cambridge
§ UK based board.
§ Examinations aim to be culturally neutral but are based in the British culture.
§ Examiners are from the UK
§ Students are from all over the world including the Caribbean.
§ Standards are based on international and UK results.

Questions for students
What are the implications for Lower Sixth Students?
What changes will you make?