Impressive turnout for CSEC in hinterland regions
(27th July 2020)- As the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) continue candidates in the hinterland regions, i.e Region One (1) Barima-Waini, Region Seven (7) Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Eight (8) Potaro-Siparuni and Region Nine (9) Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo have been attending school in large number to sit their respective examinations.
The examinations are being conducted based on the guidelines of Examination Order No 73/2020 that was formulated with guidance and assistance from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to ensure the safety and wellness of all stakeholders owing to the emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to reports from education officials in the regions, all the students have been present so far and are cooperating and following the measures outlined in the order when writing their exams.
Today Mathematics for CSEC is scheduled and according to the Regional Education Officers (REdO) for the four regions there has been a 100 percent turnout in all the hinterland regions for the sitting of this examination and previous exams. It was explained that care packages have been given to each candidate in the regions, which includes sanitizer, masks, tissues and soaps to ensure that learners are safe and protected.
The education officials indicated that the process has been assisted by cooperating parents and dedicated teachers who have been doing their part to ensure the examinations are written in accordance with what is expected and at the same time ensuring the safety of all.
Students, teachers and persons permitted to be in the school compound are required to wear a face mask at all times. Additionally, handwashing and sanitizing must be done at the entrance of the school.
The students are required to be two (2) meters or six (6) feet apart from each other at all times. Playing and gathering are prohibited and the MoE has prohibited vending outside schools to ensure the safety and wellness of everyone. Temperature testing is also mandatory and MoE’s Education Officers are visiting schools to ensure that there is full compliance with the order.
The two exams, CSEC and CAPE are being written from July 13- August 4 and July 13- 31 respectively. For CSEC there are 168 centres with 11,998 students registered to write that exam. While for CAPE 851 candidates are registered to write at 15 centres across the country.