THE Ministry of Education’s Secondary Sector has initiated a rigorous School-Based Assessment (SBA) Summer Camp for students from Good Hope Secondary School, Yarrowkabra Secondary School, and De Willem Secondary School in preparation for the forthcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in 2025 and 2026. The schools, which are newcomers to the CSEC examination system, are getting ready for their inaugural involvement in the exams.

The SBA Summer Camp spans two weeks, from July 8 to July 19, 2024, and is structured to provide focused preparation specifically tailored to the SBA requirements across four core subjects: Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies, and Integrated Science. Notably, Yarrowkabra Secondary will also incorporate Information Technology (IT) and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) into their curriculum during the camp.
The primary objective of the Summer Camp is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their SBAs, which are integral components of the CSEC assessment. By focusing on the core subjects and supplementary IT and EDPM ones at the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, the camp aims to bolster students’ confidence and readiness for the examination process.

Running daily from 09:00hrs to 12:30hrs, the camp will accommodate a total of 161 students and is supported by a team of 25 dedicated teachers. This structured approach ensures that each participant receives personalised attention and guidance in mastering the SBA requirements. The inclusion of experienced teachers underscores the Secondary Sector’s commitment to delivering quality education and support to these new schools as they embark on their CSEC journey.
The SBA Summer Camp represents a proactive step by the Secondary Sector to facilitate a smooth transition for the schools into the CSEC framework. Beyond immediate exam preparation, the skills and knowledge imparted during the camp are expected to enhance the overall academic performance and confidence of students, thereby laying a strong foundation for their future educational endeavours.
This initiative not only addresses current academic needs, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and readiness among students and educators alike.