CXC reassures students and parents after concerns are expressed about content of CAPE chemistry exam

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is seeking to allay fears about the
integrity of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Chemistry Unit 2, Paper 2 examination that was conducted on May 9.
 
Reports say there were concerns that the exam questions were focused on
material from the Chemistry Unit 1 syllabus, and not that of the Chemistry
Unit 2.

A statement from CXC says it is mindful of the anxiety among candidates and
parents arising from these concerns, and so it immediately launched an
investigation into the matter.

Since then, it has “determined that the questions on the … examination were
indeed designed for candidates to demonstrate knowledge of material
covered by the CAPE Chemistry Unit 2 syllabus.”

CXC says it stands by its robust quality-assurance system, which includes
qualified professionals at all stages of the exam-development process,
ensuring the efficacy of the examinations.
 
Additionally, it says it has engaged with stakeholders who have guaranteed
that the system also allows for adjustments during the marking and grading
process.

This is to ensure that candidates are not negatively affected by circumstances
outside their control.
 
CXC says that the integrity of the Council’s assessments is critical to
candidates and to the currency of its qualifications.