The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training wishes to inform that due to the recent declaration regarding the national status of COVID-19 in Barbados and the associated restrictions and protocols that have been imposed, steps have been taken to safeguard the health and well-being of stakeholders in education.
The Ministry of Education has therefore suspended with immediate effect the conduct of all CXC on-site and centre moderation exercises and CXC SBA practicals in Physical Education, Theatre Arts and Music. These suspensions will remain in effect until further advice is received from the Ministry of Health and Wellness regarding the COVID-19 national status. Kindly note that provision has been made for the appropriate rescheduling in due course.
In cases where students have been unable to complete SBAs due to the current disruption of schools as a result of COVID-19, the Ministry has advised all schools to use the online technological options available to guide and support students where feasible. Where it is not feasible to undertake the approach outlined, the Ministry will make the appropriate representation to CXC for consideration. A similar approach will be used in the case of students who are unable to complete outstanding SBA Labs.
The Ministry is currently engaging the Caribbean Examinations Council regarding the options that are available for the administration of the May/June 2020 examinations. The Ministry wishes to reassure students, teachers, parents and the general public that every effort is being made to determine the best possible outcome for all students.
The Ministry also wishes to inform that the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (BSSEE) will now be administered on Tuesday 2nd June 2020. Kindly note that this date is contingent on the Third Term of this school year commencing on 14 April 2020 as currently scheduled. Should there be a delayed start to the school term the appropriate information will be shared with the public.
The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training will provide further updates as more information becomes available.