Students preparing for upcoming exams in CSEC and CAPE can benefit from the Scientific Research Council’s (SRC) free examinations review sessions. The sessions which are offered in the areas of Science, Technology, Energy and Mathematics (STEM) were selected out of the collective need to improve general performance in these subjects and to encourage an appreciation for science and technology and its benefits among this demographic group.
The sessions are held online due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus and are hosted by different experts within each subject area. The sessions are open to all students within Jamaica who are preparing for exams in the area of STEM, all they need to access these sessions is a proper Internet connection.
The CSEC and CAPE review sessions which are hosted by the SRC’s Science Resource Centre are often held in tandem with the Science, Technology and Education Unit (STEU). They form a part of the Centre’s Visibility/Interactive sessions which have been running since 2019. Over the years, different collaborators have come on board for particular sessions. Econ Infinity is among the most recent to partner with the SRC. Working in tandem with the Council, this collaboration led to the staging of one of the most successful CSEC Maths review sessions held so far. The sessions which were staged in June and July 2021 received “overwhelming support from the students” as was highlighted by Mr Chavez Creary, SRC’s Library Technician who anchored and moderated the session.
Other CSEC review sessions held during this period were organized by the SRC’s Science, Technology and Education Unit, these included Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human and Social Biology and Information Technology. These were well received, which was evident in one student’s expression of appreciation for the helpful sessions held, she states, “they were very efficient in boosting my confidence as I approach my exams. Thank you for your time and consideration.” According to Judith Fagan-Brown, SRC’s Librarian, “the feedback from the teachers and students has been positive, as they have in fact asked us to increase the number of sessions and include more subjects”.
In addition to students, the interactive sessions also target public and private sector organizations. “The interactive sessions are advantageous because they provide SRC with an opportunity to disseminate pertinent information related to Science Technology & Innovation (ST&I)”, says Chavez Creary, SRC’s Library Technician. He further adds that “these set of series have proven to be an excellent vehicle to share experiences and expose core matters that surround S&I”.
Interactive sessions held so far have focussed on topical issues such as climate change, the Cannabis industry in Jamaica and business development.
