Cayman Islands, 27 May 2021.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) announces that the 2021 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations will commence on Thursday, 28 June, a slight delay from the previously announced 14 June 2021 start date.

The decision, revealed by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) yesterday (26 May), was in keeping with recommendations put forward by regional educators during a meeting of CXC’s School Examinations Committee (SEC) on Friday (21 May) to determine the best strategy for the 2021 examinations.

Minister for Education Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly lauded the CXC’s decision to extend the exam preparation period in line with the recommendations proffered by the educators.

“I am pleased that CXC has approved the recommendations put forward by the regional educators. This decision underscores our shared interest of ensuring that each candidate has adequate opportunity to prepare for his/her examinations despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am confident that our students will capitalise on this added opportunity to prepare for the upcoming exams.”

In addition to the delayed examination start dates, the regional examination body has extended the deadline for submitting School-Based Assessments (SBAs) until Wednesday, 30 June.

There were no further changes to the regional examination, and all CSEC papers will be administered according to their initial structure.

The Department of Education Services (DES) Acting Director, Mrs. Tammy Hopkins (DES), has also announced the start date of study leave in Government secondary schools.

“Study leave will commence at the John Gray High School (JGHS) and the Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS) on Monday, 31 May and at the Layman E. Scott Sr. High School (LSHS) on Monday, 7 June,” the Acting Director stated.

Mrs. Hopkins also outlined the conditions under which the schools will continue to offer guidance and support to students while on study leave. “Understanding that the study leave period provides our students with the opportunity to focus on their studies, it is vital that the process is carefully managed to ensure that students complete all coursework and SBAs before going off on approved study leave. In addition, schools will ensure that students have access to a laptop, internet connectivity and arrangements made for subject teachers to check in with students weekly to monitor their progress. All schools will provide guidance prior to students going on study leave. “

For more information on the 2021 CSEC examinations or access to the 2021 CSEC timetable, visit CXC’s website at www.cxc.org. For more information about study leave at JGHS, contact Mr. Jon Clark [email protected], at CHHS, Dr. Richard Wildman [email protected] and Mr. Devon Bowen [email protected] for LSHS queries