RATIONALE

It is envisaged that persons certified by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will demonstrate the ability to understand and appreciate what they listen to, read and view, and the ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing. The teaching and testing of English is founded on the premise that the abilities mentioned are fostered by the study of language and literature, separately and jointly, and that the abilities are vital factors in managing personal and social well-being. Indeed, in the current socio-political world climates, the study of language and literature underpins our understanding of human dynamics and prepares us to respond critically to the wealth of material that bombards our lives through the media.

AIMS

The syllabus aims to:

1.  develop the ability to use the spoken language, Caribbean Standard English (CSE1);
2. develop the ability to understand and respond to spoken and written Caribbean Standard English;
3. develop the ability to use language effectively for communicating across cultures at different levels, that is, intra-personal, inter-personal and groups;
4. develop the ability to monitor personal thinking processes through the application of metacognitive strategies;
5. develop the ability to articulate personal experiences (real or imagined) in spoken and written language;
6. promote in students a willingness and ability to inform themselves about, and to contribute reasoned opinions on social issues;
7. promote an appreciation of the variety of purposes for which language is used;
8. promote an understanding and appreciation for the place and value of the varieties of English and of the dialects and creoles of the Caribbean and other regions in different social and cultural contexts;
9. develop a critical awareness of the use of language devices used for narrative, descriptive, argumentative and expository writing;
10. develop the ability to respond to literature for pleasure and insight, to recognise and respond to the writer’s craft, and to make sensitive appraisals of value judgements and other concepts expressed in Literature;
11. use knowledge of the various forms of information for the students’ own enlightenment, while recognising the importance of acknowledging the contribution of such sources to their own