Mission Statement

(1)  To ensure that tests are administered under safe, standardized and secure conditions, so that results can be used to make sound and informed decisions within the academic and professional sphere,

(2)  To promote the development of good teacher assessment skills,

(3)  To develop tests in response to stated curriculum objectives.

The Examinations section has responsibility for:-

1. The administration of local, regional and international examinations which fall under the aegis of the Barbados Government.

2. The evaluation of the progress of primary and secondary school students.

3. The issuing of certified statements of examination results to members of the public on request.

4. The development of testing and assessment modules as an integral part of the on-going curriculum reform initiative.

The Examinations section is responsible for ensuring that valid and reliable evaluation procedures are integrated into the curriculum.  The section also has the task of designing evaluation modules, analyzing test results and making recommendations for adjustments to any replacements for current systems of evaluation.

The training of teachers in administering valid and reliable assessment modules is a vital function of the section in light of the curriculum reforms being implemented.  The proposal for implementing Continuous Assessment at the Primary Level clearly indicates the vital role which the section plays in designing and developing new and improved assessment modules.

On a day-to-day basis the Examinations section focuses heavily on the administrative tasks involved in providing the public with the services of registration and certification.

The Examinations section is headed by a Senior Education Officer who is responsible for the overall supervision of this section.  In addition there are two Education Officers, one Administrative Officer, one Senior Executive Officer, one Executive Officer, four Clerical Officers, two Typists and two Office Assistants.