Analysis of CXC STEM Subject Performance (2017–2024)

Created by TapTorLMS in Articles 7 Apr 2025

Introduction
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) plays a critical role in assessing secondary and post-secondary education outcomes across the Caribbean. Among its most significant contributions is the administration of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). These assessments serve as academic benchmarks and gateways to tertiary education and professional careers.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has garnered increasing attention due to its pivotal role in economic development, technological advancement, and problem-solving capabilities. This report provides a detailed comparative analysis of performance in STEM-related subjects, including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Science, from 2017 to 2024. Drawing from official statistics and CXC Annual Reports, the report identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

1. Overview of CSEC STEM Subjects

STEM subjects offered at the CSEC level include:

Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Integrated Science

(For broader STEM context, English A is also referenced as a foundational subject.)

2. Mathematics Performance Trends

Mathematics remains the cornerstone of STEM but continues to challenge Caribbean students significantly.

2017: Approximately 49% pass rate (Grades I–III).
2018: A moderate improvement to 52%.
2019: A decline to 46%, amid concerns over problem-solving and analytical skills.
2020: Drop to 41%, exacerbated by pandemic-induced disruptions.
2021: Further decline to 38%.
2022: Minor drop to 37%.
2023: Marked improvement to 43%, following targeted interventions.
2024: Sharp decline to 36%, despite recovery efforts.

Analysis:
The consistent underperformance in Mathematics underscores the need for pedagogical reforms, improved teacher training, and curriculum updates that emphasize conceptual understanding over rote learning.

3. English A as a Foundational Subject

Though not traditionally viewed as a STEM subject, English A supports literacy required for technical disciplines.

2017: 67% pass rate.
2018: Increased to 70%.
2019: Maintained around 68%.
2020–2021: Climbing gradually to 73%.
2022: Stable at 73%.
2023: Jumped to 78%.
2024: Slight decrease to 76%.

Analysis:
Performance in English A suggests students have a relatively better grasp of communication skills than of quantitative reasoning. These skills are still essential for STEM comprehension, particularly in technical reading and written explanations.

4. Biology Performance Trends

Biology is one of the more accessible science subjects, typically showing strong results.

2017: Pass rate around 75%.
2018: Improved to 78%.
2019: Remained stable at 76%.
2020: Slight dip to 73%.
2021: Rose slightly to 74%.
2022: Significant jump to 82%.
2023: Dropped back to 74%.
2024: Held at 74.5%.

Analysis:
Biology remains a consistently high-performing subject. The dip in 2023 and 2024 may reflect curriculum adjustments or assessment challenges, but overall, performance remains commendable.

5. Chemistry Performance Trends

Chemistry often proves more difficult due to abstract content and practical lab requirements.

2017: Pass rate at 60%.
2018: Rose to 63%.
2019: Fell slightly to 61%.
2020: Decreased to 59%.
2021: Mild recovery to 61%.
2022: Stable at 60%.
2023: Improved to 66%.
2024: Slight dip to 64.1%.

Analysis:
Chemistry performance has seen modest but consistent growth, possibly due to improved lab access and teaching materials. However, maintaining and enhancing this trend will require sustained investment in resources and practical instruction.

6. Physics Performance Trends

Physics, a core STEM discipline, combines mathematical reasoning with conceptual understanding.

2017: 65% pass rate.
2018: Increased to 68%.
2019: Minor drop to 64%.
2020: Fell to 63%.
2021: Slight increase to 67%.
2022: Stable at 65%.
2023: Rose to 70%.
2024: Slight decline to 69.6%.

Analysis:
Physics has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. This suggests that students grasp the content reasonably well, although mathematical challenges persist.

7. Integrated Science Performance Trends

As an introductory science course, Integrated Science is expected to yield higher success rates, but results tell a different story.

2017: 50% pass rate.
2018: Rose to 55%.
2019: Minor drop to 53%.
2020: Declined to 52%.
2021: Dropped to 48%.
2022: Fell again to 47%.
2023: Slight rebound to 49%.
2024: Dropped to 44%.

Analysis:
Despite being designed as an accessible entry into science, Integrated Science consistently underperforms. This could reflect curriculum mismatch, limited lab resources, or inadequate student engagement.

8. Regional Variations and Highlights

Certain territories reported exceptional performances:

Saint Lucia: Achieved 100% pass rates in subjects like Agricultural Science and Industrial Technology.
Trinidad & Tobago: Noted high success in CAPE Unit I & II STEM subjects, many with 90%+ pass rates.
Guyana: Reported 67.23% of students achieving five subjects including Math and English in 2024.
Jamaica: Noted high success in Human and Social Biology (75%) and Biology (74.5%) in 2024.

Analysis:
These territories show that with strategic focus and investment, STEM outcomes can significantly improve.

9. Challenges in STEM Education

Several obstacles impede STEM success:

Teacher Shortages: Especially in Physics and Chemistry.
Resource Constraints: Labs and materials are lacking in many schools.
Curriculum Rigor: Students often struggle with abstract and applied content.
Digital Divide: Inequitable access to digital learning tools hinders remote and e-testing initiatives.

10. Strategic Recommendations

To enhance STEM education and performance:

Curriculum Modernization: Ensure alignment with real-world applications and current scientific developments.
Teacher Development: Offer scholarships and incentives for STEM teacher training.
Invest in Infrastructure: Modern labs, equipment, and internet access are critical.
Pedagogical Innovation: Shift towards problem-solving and project-based learning.
STEM Outreach Programs: Encourage participation in science fairs, coding clubs, and robotics competitions.

Conclusion

The eight-year performance review from 2017 to 2024 reveals a mixed outlook for STEM education in the Caribbean. While subjects like Biology and Physics exhibit relative stability, Mathematics and Integrated Science continue to challenge students. Regional initiatives and education reforms have the potential to reverse declining trends. The Caribbean must double down on investments in teacher training, digital infrastructure, and curriculum design to empower the next generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers.

This report aims to inform educators, policymakers, and stakeholders of the urgency and opportunity present in revitalizing STEM education for a competitive, knowledge-driven Caribbean future.

References

1. Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). (2017–2024). Annual Statistical Bulletins. Retrieved from https://www.cxc.org
1. Ministry of Education Jamaica. (2023). Performance Reports and National Assessments. Retrieved from https://moey.gov.jm
1. Ministry of Education Guyana. (2024). CSEC Results Press Briefing. Retrieved from https://education.gov.gy
1. Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education. (2023). Performance Review of CAPE and CSEC Results. Retrieved from https://www.moe.gov.tt
1. Saint Lucia Ministry of Education. (2023). National Examinations Performance Data. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.lc
1. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). (2022). Improving STEM Outcomes in the Caribbean. Retrieved from https://www.caribank.org
1. UNESCO Caribbean Office. (2021). STEM Education in the Caribbean: Policy and Practice. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org