Bring backthe British exams forTT schools

THE EDITOR: Long before the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), secondary school students and the general public had the privilege of writing the London, Cambridge and Oxford examinations.

The standard of these examinations were comparatively higher than CXC’s since students were reminded of the necessity for neat and legible handwriting, as well as the use of standard English. Students wrote with fountain pens and expressed pride in their penmanship.

Given that there was no multiple-choice component and no school-based assessment in order to achieve success, students adopted a self-disciplined approach as they burned the midnight oil into the wee hours of the morning.

It is noteworthy that English examinations were not watered down. Essays had to be completed for a candidate to obtain a passing grade. Generally, the assessment of students was fair. In 1977, grades D and E appeared on result slips for consideration by employers and tertiary institutions.

As time advances, all the weak areas associated with the CXC examinations are coming to light. Moreover, teachers are having a difficult time getting completed school-based assessment projects from delinquent students. Many a time these projects are not reflective of the students’ own ability since many well-to-do parents pay for assistance.

Last year, many brilliant and conscientious students were in shock when the CXC grades they obtained were not commensurate with their scholastic capability. Having deliberated on such an unfortunate occurrence, it is high time for secondary schools to return to Cambridge, London and Oxford examinations.

LINDSEY RAMPERSAD

via e-mail