69 George’s students break ground with CCSLC exams

Jun 15, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Sixty-nine students from the St. George’s School of Sciences have become the first public school cohort in the country to sit the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) examinations.

The administration, which began on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, marks a shift in the Ministry of Education’s strategy to reinforce foundational learning and boost regional certification at the lower secondary level.

The examinations commenced with students sitting English Language and Modern Language papers, followed by Mathematics and Social Studies on June 11, and Integrated Science on June 12. The testing period concludes on Monday, June 15, with Digital Literacy. The pioneering cohort consists of 30 male and 39 female students. Selected as the national pilot institution, St. George’s School of Sciences is the first public school to undergo rigorous preparation and teacher training for the regional curriculum, which is specifically tailored for Grades 7 through 9.

Dr. Viola Rowe, National Coordinator of CCSLC, emphasised that the initiative is designed to fortify students’ core capabilities before they enter senior high school streams. “The CCSLC is a foundational programme. It provides students with the opportunity to build a core set of skills, knowledge, values, attitudes and competencies,” Dr. Rowe stated. She clarified that the programme does not alter standard student progression but rather acts as a springboard to better prepare them for upper grades and future certification, noting, “We want our students to be able to stay in school, be certified, transition to the upper grades, and be engaged in the CSEC and CVQ programmes.”

Developed by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the competency-based programme focuses on six core areas: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Digital Literacy, and Modern Languages, which may include Spanish, French, or Portuguese. Dr. Rowe explained that the framework is expected to help students transition seamlessly to higher levels of study while improving their readiness for life and work. She noted that the curriculum places a strong emphasis on more than just academics, stating, “It is more than just the development of skills and knowledge. The focus is also on attitudes, respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment.”

The programme utilises a modular structure consisting of five distinct modules for each subject area. Students are evaluated through a hybrid assessment approach that combines continuous formative school-based assessments (SBAs) with final summative external examinations administered by CXC. Instead of traditional letter or numerical grades, student performance is evaluated across three specific bands, developing competence, competent, and mastery. To earn the official regional certificate, students must successfully achieve a minimum rating of Competent or Mastery across at least five subjects, which must include English and Mathematics. According to the Ministry of Education, this certification supports a seamless transition into Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) tracks, post-secondary vocational training, and entry-level employment opportunities.

Implementing a new regional framework required a cultural shift among local educators. Dr. Rowe acknowledged that while some teachers initially expressed reservations because the programme was new, targeted training sessions and a greater understanding of its purpose have catalyzed widespread systemic support. She revealed that teachers have recognised the value of the programme, particularly in helping students develop confidence and competence over time, noting, “Teachers are saying that this programme should have been here before, because they have recognised the value of the programme.” To maintain momentum and ensure no institution is left behind, the Ministry of Education confirmed it is facilitating ongoing make-up training sessions for educators who missed initial workshops. This continuous support ensures that all schools will be fully prepared to deliver the curriculum effectively as the programme expands. Lauding the pioneering efforts of the candidate pool, Dr. Rowe designated the pilot institution as a beacon for future cohorts, describing the staff and students as ambassadors for the national rollout. “Our students at St. George’s School of Sciences are ambassadors. The school has paved the way for other schools to be onboard with CCSLC,” Dr. Rowe declared.

The Ministry of Education further announced that the next examination cycle in 2027 will expand to include secondary schools right across Guyana, cementing the CCSLC as part of its wider effort to strengthen foundational learning, promote student certification, and better prepare young people for continued education, employment, and national development.

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• CCSLC examinations, English Language, Mathematics and Social Studies, St. George’s School of Sciences

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