CXC is moving to transition away from SBAs for non-practical based subjects.
It comes as the body looks to deal with recent “serious strain” most notably, the strain posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence.
This technology is capable of prioducing text, essays, research papers and analyses, which CXC says undermines the integrity of the qualification.
As such, it has approved a Reformed SBA Framework, following consultations across 21 territories with teachers, principals, curriculum officers, local registrars, and Ministries of Education.
For truly practical subjects like Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, Food Nutrition & Health, SBAs will remain, with CXC to strengthen how they are moderated.
For non-practical subjects like Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Information Technology, and others, CXC will transition away from the traditional SBA, replacing it with Paper 032.
This will be conducted under exam conditions, however candidates will receive their topics about one month before and they will be allowed to bring reference notes into the exam room.
For CAPE, the transition to Paper 032 for non-practical based subjects takes effect in May–June 2027.
For CSEC, candidates will have the opportunity to complete the SBA or Paper 032 in 2027 (whichever their school chooses), with full implementation in 2028.
Regarding those who have already completed some SBAs, CXC says “Students who have already completed SBAs need not worry. Those scores will remain transferable under the existing two-year rule. Going forward, Paper 032 scores will also be transferable under this two-year rule.”
