Information Technology

This syllabus is designed to provide a coherent view of the significance of information in a socio-economic context. Emphasis is placed on application of knowledge, problem-solving using the computer, and proficiency in using productivity tools. This approach has been adopted in recognition of the impact that changes in the availability of information can have on the educational process. Focus is placed on getting students to develop skills for life in an increasingly technological world, rather than on students absorbing a myriad of seemingly unrelated facts which may have only short term relevance.

The syllabus aims to expose candidates to a wide range of Information and Communication Technologies, affording learning experiences which include an element of discovery, and foster self-confidence. Candidates would also acquire computer-related practical skills that will prepare them to meet the region’s need for increased productivity and efficiency in a fast changing technological world. The syllabus has been organized to offer certification at the General Proficiency only.

The syllabus is organised under eight main sections.

Section 1Fundamentals of Hardware and Software
Section 2Problem-Solving and Program Design
Section 3Program Implementation
Section 4Applications and Implications of Information and Communications Technology
Section 5Information Processing
Section 6Word processing, Presentation and Web Page Design
Section 7Spreadsheets
Section 8Database Management

Physics

Physics is a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions. It is concerned with systems, laws, models, principles and theories that explain the physical behaviour of our world and the universe. Physics is regarded as a fundamental scientific discipline since all advances in technology can be traced either directly or indirectly to the physical laws and theories.

The CSEC Physics Syllabus is redesigned with a greater emphasis on the application of scientific concepts and principles. Such an approach is adopted in order to develop those long-term transferrable skills of ethical conduct, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation and communication. In addition, it encourages the use of various teaching and learning strategies to inculcate these skills while, at the same time catering to multiple intelligences and different learning styles and needs. The syllabus will assist students to develop positive values and attitudes towards the physical components of the environment and will also provide a sound foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies in science.

The syllabus is arranged in five sections, namely:

SECTION AMechanics
SECTION BThermal Physics and Kinetic Theory
SECTION CWaves and Optics
SECTION DElectricity and Magnetism
SECTION EThe Physics of the Atom

Mathematics

The Mathematics syllabus explains general and unifying concepts that facilitate the study of Mathematics as a coherent subject rather than as a set of unrelated topics.

The syllabus seeks to provide for the needs of specific mathematical techniques in the future careers of students, for example, in agriculture and in commercial and technical fields. By the end of the normal secondary school course, students should appreciate that the various branches of Mathematics are not rigidly segregated and that the approach to the solution of any problem is not necessarily unique.

The syllabus is arranged in ten sections:

Section 1Computation
Section 2Number Theory
Section 3Consumer Arithmetic
Section 4Sets
Section 5Measurement
Section 6Statistics
Section 7Algebra
Section 8Relations, Functions and Graphs
Section 9Geometry and Trigonometry
Section 10Vectors and Matrices

Human and Social Biology

Human and Social Biology is concerned with the study of the structure and functioning of the human body. It also involves the application of biological principles, knowledge and skills, and technological advances, to the maintenance of health and to solve the problems of living together. The subject incorporates the view that human beings have a responsibility to their environment and, as such, have an obligation to conserve, protect, maintain and improve its quality.

The CSEC Human and Social Biology syllabus is designed to allow students to work individually and cooperatively, utilizing theoretical concepts of the course in interactive and practical activities. Students are expected to apply investigative and problem-solving skills, be effective in communicating scientific knowledge and demonstrate an appreciation for all living organisms in their environment.

The syllabus is organised under five main sections:

Section ILiving organisms and the environment
Section IILife processes
Section IIIHeredity and variation
Section IVDisease and its impact on humans
Section VThe impact of health practices on the environment

Chemistry

Chemistry is concerned with the physical and chemical properties of substances and the interaction of energy and matter. The study of Chemistry involves an investigation into chemical reactions and processes. The discipline seeks to explain and predict events at the atomic and molecular level. Through the principles of Chemistry, students will understand everyday life, nature and technology, and the significance of the well-being of man and the environment.

The CSEC Chemistry Syllabus is redesigned to allow students to work individually and with others in practical, field and interactive activities that are related to theoretical concepts in the course. It is expected that students will apply investigative and problem-solving skills, effectively communicate scientific information and appreciate the contribution that a study of chemistry makes to their understanding of the world. The syllabus places greater emphasis on the understanding and application of chemical concepts and principles and different learning styles and needs, so that students will develop skills that will be of long term value in an increasingly technological world, rather than focusing on large quantities of factual information. In addition, it encourages the use of various teaching and learning strategies while at the same time catering to multiple intelligences.

The syllabus is divided into three sections, namely:

Section APrinciples of Chemistry
Section BOrganic Chemistry
Section CInorganic Chemistry

Biology

Biology is the discipline in science, which seeks to understand the organisation of the organic world through an exploration of the structure and function of life forms at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, as well as the complex interactions and interdependencies which occur at each of these levels. This knowledge provides the foundation for understanding the opportunities for promoting the well-being of humans and other living organisms in the environment. It generates an awareness of the importance of our biodiversity and the unique role of humans in conserving, protecting and improving the quality of the biological environment for future generations.

The CSEC Biology Syllabus is redesigned with a greater emphasis on the application of scientific concepts and principles. It recognises the need for an understanding of some of the basic principles of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, and, therefore seeks to strengthen the inter-relationship with these subjects. It also recognises the inter-relatedness among the topics in Biology, and social and environmental issues. Such an approach is adopted to develop those long-term transferable skills of ethical conduct, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation and communication. It encourages the use of various teaching and learning strategies to inculcate these skills that will prove useful in everyday life, while at the same time catering to multiple intelligences and different learning styles and needs. It will provide a sound foundation to pursue the study of Life Sciences and related professions at the postsecondary level.

The syllabus is arranged in three sections namely:

Section ALiving Organisms in the Environment
Section BLife Processes and Disease
Section CContinuity and Variation

Additional Mathematics

This Additional Mathematics course provides a variety of topics with related attributes which would enable Caribbean students to reason logically using the prior knowledge gained from the CSEC General Proficiency Mathematics. Candidates are expected to enter this course of study with a solid foundation of algebraic knowledge and mathematical reasoning.

On completing this course students will be able to make a smooth transition to higher levels of study in Mathematics or move on to career choices where a deeper knowledge of the general concepts of Mathematics is required. This course of study, which includes fundamentals of Pure and Applied Mathematics, caters to diverse interests enabling students to develop critical-thinking skills applicable to other subject areas. This course thus provides insight into the exciting world of advanced mathematics, thereby equipping students with the tools necessary to approach any mathematical situation with confidence.

The syllabus is arranged as a set of topics, arranged in four sections as follows:

Section 1Algebra and Functions
Section 2Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
Section 3Introductory Calculus
Section 4Basic Mathematical Applications