The NTA is urging CXC and the Ministry of Education to reconsider their decision to suspend four critical subjects.
According to a release from the party’s Director, Education, Savita Pierre, it is deeply disappointing to learn of the Caribbean Examination Council’s (CXC) decision to suspend four critical subjects—Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Science – Double Award, Green Engineering, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology—at the CSEC and CAPE levels.
“This abrupt suspension, citing low enrolment, demands a thorough explanation. Dr. Wayne Wesley, CEO of CXC, must provide a comprehensive account of the research and analysis that led to this decision and ensure its validity and reliability.”
“Was any research conducted on the mechanical and functional aspects before the removal of these subjects? We ask because, similar to the Rowley-led Government, these entities seem untrained in proper evaluation, and instead of making necessary adjustments to create functionality, they remove systems without thorough calculation.”
The NTA said the financial burden of administering exams for subjects with low enrolment should not outweigh the importance of these fields for our students’ holistic development and future workforce. It is crucial to consider mitigation strategies to support these programs before deciding to suspend them. Our educational system must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, and instead, identify and nurture multiple intelligences, ensuring programs align with students’ abilities and interests.
The release added that the low enrolment in these subjects may be attributed to the lack of allocated teachers, making it impractical for students to enroll. A thorough investigation into these challenges is necessary. Additionally, the societal stigma against vocational subjects must be addressed to encourage more students to pursue these vital fields.
Suspending these subjects risks stifling students’ dreams and potential, and it also negatively impacts dedicated teachers, which is unacceptable, particularly when considering that CXC was established by the governments of the region to provide greater opportunities for students and to provide greater accessibility to receive a certification that gives them a wide range of subject areas to further their study for specialization after CXC.
The NTA joins the Jamaica Teachers Association in urging Dr. Wesley and the Ministry of Education to reconsider this decision. Instead of dismantling programs, let us invest in understanding and addressing the underlying issues. Our goal should be to create an inclusive educational system that fosters all forms of intelligence, enabling every student to achieve their fullest potential. We must build pathways for all students to excel and realize their dreams.