The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) conducted teacher consultation sessions at the end of the 2024/25 academic year with various stakeholders. This blog post outlines a number of the proposed changes that were presented during these sessions.
It must be noted that the final draft of the revised CSEC English A and B syllabus, which is expected to take effect for examinations from May–June 2027, has not yet been published. This revision marks the first major update since 2017 and seeks to align language and literature education with 21st-century skills, cultural relevance, and authentic assessment practices.
For now, it is strongly recommended that teachers and schools continue to base their planning on the currently published syllabus until the official revision is released.
The following are noted revisions to the proposed 2027 syllabus:
Stronger Integration of Language and Literature
While English A (Language) and English B (Literature) remain distinct subjects, the revised syllabus highlights their inter-relatedness. Students are encouraged not only to analyse texts but also to reflect critically on human experiences, linking literature to contemporary issues. This mirrors global education trends that emphasise critical literacy, preparing learners to question media, cultural narratives, and social issues.
Revised Aims and Profile Dimensions
The objectives of the syllabus have been reframed around four key cognitive processes:
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Understanding
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Analysing
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Evaluating
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Creating
This mirrors Bloom’s taxonomy and UNESCO’s “Four Pillars of Learning,” which support holistic student development. The emphasis is not only on knowledge but also on interpretation, judgment, and innovation.
Updated Content Modules
Both English A and B now follow a modular design, making the structure more streamlined and relevant. The four key modules are:
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Comprehension – extended to include multimodal texts such as blogs, visuals, and speeches.
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Informative Discourse – with a stronger emphasis on digital genres like emails, reports, and infographics.
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Literary Discourse – highlighting author’s craft and contextual interpretation.
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Persuasive Discourse – focusing on persuasive strategies in media, advertisements, and everyday communication.
This redesign encourages media literacy, a vital skill in today’s digital society.
Assessment Changes
The revised assessment system offers two pathways:
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Linear: students sit the full exam in one sitting.
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Modular: students complete exams in stages, with the option to reuse SBA scores.
The School-Based Assessment (SBA) remains 21% of the final grade. However, it has been updated to emphasise:
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Reflection
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Creative expression
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Multimodal responses (blogs, spoken word, podcasts)
To address academic integrity, teachers are required to use checkpoints to reduce plagiarism.
For private candidates, Paper 032 has been expanded. It now includes tasks such as critiquing multimodal texts (prose, graphics, poetry) and producing creative responses in genres like drama or persuasive writing.
Pedagogical Shifts
The revised syllabus encourages teachers to adopt student-centred, authentic approaches. Recommended strategies include:
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Use of blogs, podcasts, and oral presentations.
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Incorporating Caribbean varieties of English alongside Standard English.
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Group and peer-based activities, rather than teacher-dominated correction.
These approaches recognise students’ linguistic identities while fostering confidence and engagement.