New CTEC pilot gives students modular options to learn at own pace

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) on Friday announced its most ambitious overhaul in years, unveiling a new modular qualification, introducing the supervised use of artificial intelligence in coursework, and moving multiple-choice papers fully online.

The reforms were outlined at the release of the May/June 2025 results by CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Wayne Wesley, who said they were designed to make the regional system more flexible and better tailored to students’ needs.

At the centre of the changes is the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), to be piloted in September with 3 000 students. The new qualification will split Mathematics and English into three modules each, allowing learners to complete them in stages and at their own pace without lowering standards.

“Content is important, but competency should get greater importance in our education,” Wesley said. “We must create an environment that is suited to the learner’s preferences, their learning rate, and the amount of content they can absorb at any one time. If we do that, we are giving every student the best chance to achieve their full potential.”

He added that the modular approach would also make it easier for schools to offer flexible programmes, enabling students to “mix and match” courses while still meeting graduation requirements.

From 2026, candidates will also be able to use AI in their school-based assessments (SBAs) under a new framework, the Standards and Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CXC’s Assessment.

Director of Operations Dr Nichole Manning said the framework sets out five standards and several components to guide responsible use by students, teachers and parents.

“It’s there to protect you, as well as to help you to understand how to use AI properly in your work,” she said. “We have even shared how to reference AI, something that could not be found anywhere else. We feel very good that we are able to offer this to the region, and we are encouraging everyone to go through and to utilise it.”

She stressed that the new rules would emphasise ethical use and data protection: “It is important to ensure that our students do not overshare personal information and that they use information in a responsible and ethical way.”

The council also confirmed that, from January 2026, all multiple-choice exams will be delivered electronically. Paper Two and Paper Three will adopt a hybrid format, with questions displayed on screen and responses written in booklets.

“This is part of making sure our students are equipped for the digital era,” Manning said. “It’s about keeping pace with where the world is going in assessment.”

Revised syllabuses for Office Administration, Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM), and CAPE Environmental Science will take effect in 2026. Integrated Science will follow in 2027, with teaching beginning in September 2025.

Wesley said the reforms were aimed at building an equitable system across the region.

“No one should be left behind,” he said. “Regardless of where they are, regardless of their social status or social class, every child should have access to quality, relevant education that will allow them to become productive citizens of society. And CXC will not rest until we have created the necessary environment for our students to learn.” 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb