Students wishing to take CAPE subjects should consider a CXC Associated Degree

Dear Editor,

In the next two weeks all of Guyana’s young people who wrote examinations will be anxiously visiting their respective schools or signing on to the CXC website to access the results of the May/June 2015 CSEC and CAPE examinations. It would be in order to pre-wish success and congratulations to all the expectant graduates of secondary schools countrywide.

Many of them will be moving into the world of work, entering tertiary institutions locally and abroad and in some cases taking time out to recharge their batteries before deciding on the next step.

For those who may be undecided either way, it would be wise to consider applications to the Sixth Forms at schools of their choice. You will be required to specify your career of pursuit which will determine your correct placement in any of these Sixth Form schools. I invite all those contemplating students and their parents/guardians to consider the offer of an Associate Degree which is part of the Caribbean Examinations Council portfolio. Associate Degrees are further certification for those taking a package of CAPE subjects.

Associate Degrees are offered in (i) Arts with specializations in Business Studies and Humanities, (ii) Science with specializations in Natural & Social Science and Applied Science. For Business Studies specializations include Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Logistics & Supply Chain Operations. Specializations in Humanities include History, Sociology, Law, Modern Languages, Visual Communication, Performing Arts and Tourism. Specializations in Natural & Social Science include Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies, Food and Nutrition, Sports Studies and Agriculture. Specializations in Applied Science include Industrial Technology.

The Caribbean Examinations Council’s awards of the Associate Degrees are in response to the changing educational demands of the region and globally. These awards will enable persons to select for study, subjects that will meet specific requirements for work and for further education. In providing these articulated programmes of study the transfer of credits will increase the opportunities for more persons to obtain tertiary education through collaborative and cost-effective strategies.

All concerned stakeholders are invited to visit cxc.org and download the CXC Associated Degree Handbook which explains all the detailed information for the guidance of students and parents/guardians.

Yours faithfully,
R D Mahadeo