Digital school will empower students to write more subjects at CSEC, CAPE – Manickchand

…free CSEC study tools available to students

The soon-to-be-launched Guyana Digital School continues to broaden its offerings, now allowing students to pursue the full Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) curriculum, as well as study additional subjects from the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) that may not be available at their respective schools.
Students of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were officially introduced to the platform on Monday.
Education Minister, Priya Manickchand introduced the initiative on Monday at Abram Zuil Secondary School, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to providing quality education for all, regardless of location or financial status.
This online platform is designed for students in Grades 10 and 11, offering CSEC study materials through a Four-Quadrant Approach that combines technology, interactive learning, engagement, and hands-on activities. The goal is to enhance students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom. The Minister also highlighted that the platform’s content is fully aligned with CXC, which she considers a major achievement.

“All content is aligned with CXC, which was one of my biggest accomplishments. We had several meetings, and I insisted that it must be aligned with CXC because that is what our students are preparing for. We cannot teach one thing here and then have them encounter something different in the CXC exams. So, this platform is completely aligned with CXC,” Manickchand explained.
She further noted that the textbooks available on the platform are CXC-recommended and are already being used in classrooms. The platform also includes notes, videos, quizzes, and other interactive materials that follow CXC’s curriculum.
“My vision for this is that when there is no teacher in front of the classroom, students can access the platform, complete the 39 weeks of work, and pass CXC with a Grade One. Of course, discipline is key—just like when a teacher is present, students must remain focused and attentive,” she told the students.
Manickchand emphasised that the platform offers a self-study option, allowing students to access learning materials at their convenience and strengthen their knowledge in alignment with CXC content.
According to Manickchand, this key advantage, will allow students to supplement their existing studies or pursue additional subjects independently through CXC, giving every student an equal chance at academic success.
“So, this is completely aligned to CXC. The textbooks that are going to be available to you on this platform are CXC recommended texts that you’re already using, that you have in the classroom, and all the quizzes and all the videos and all the notes and all the other work is CXC aligned.”
“It can be used for, if your school is not doing a subject, and you want to do a subject, you could come here and do the subject right, just go through your school and write it,” Manickchand said.
Manickchand noted that this expansion of educational opportunities ensures that students can benefit from the platform, contributing to lifelong learning and professional development.
“It can be used by itself, where you stop school completely and you just come to the digital school, but we have to monitor you to make sure you’re coming to school, so you don’t get any ideas if you would stop school and then you wouldn’t come. Or, it can be used for lessons, you know, like when you go to lessons, so you could use this as your lessons…You’ll have to be disciplined because when there’s a teacher in front of the class, you have to pay attention, you have to turn up or else they’re going to send for your mother and so on. In this case, you have to self-study,” the Minister explained.

Reducing gap between urban and rural
During the launch, she also highlighted that this initiative supports President Irfaan Ali’s vision of reducing the gap between urban and rural education. She pointed out that many students struggle to afford extra lessons, and this platform ensures free access to quality learning resources.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva praised the initiative, emphasising the importance of technology in modern education. She also commended the Ministry of Education and President Ali for their efforts in enhancing learning through digital resources.
Students, who spoke to Guyana Times described the platform as easy to use, interactive, and flexible. Many appreciated the ability to study at their own pace and revisit challenging topics. For students in remote areas, this initiative provides learning opportunities that were once difficult to access.
“This platform offers a more effective way for us to learn, and I believe it will truly help us expand our knowledge,” one student shared.
Also present at the launch were Member of Parliament Nandranie Coonjah and Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Head of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
Beyond traditional coursework, the digital school will offer supplementary programmes aimed at broadening students’ skills and knowledge. These include entrepreneurial training, cultural studies, electronic nursing, accounting courses, and remedial education in the evenings.
Students can register for the platform at https://www.digitalschool.moe.edu.gy/.
So far, 2400 students have registered.