The Revised CSEC English SBA Explained: A Simple Breakdown

⚠️ PLEASE NOTE⚠️

Please note that the revised English A SBA format will take effect for examinations beginning in May–June 2027. The information provided in this article reflects the updated requirements.

If you’re preparing for CSEC English, you’ve probably heard a lot about the changes that have been made to CSEC's English SBA - and maybe even felt slightly overwhelmed. Don’t worry. Over here, we break it down for you nice and simple.  

First Things First: What Is the SBA?

The School-Based Assessment (SBA) is a research-based portfolio that counts towards your final CSEC English grade. It's worth 25% of the total assessment. 

Here’s something important:

You complete ONE SBA for both English A and English B (if you’re doing both subjects). 

That means one portfolio, not two.

The SBA includes both:

• Group work

• Individual tasks

What Is the SBA Designed to Do?

The SBA is not just “extra work”. It is designed to help you:

• Use language for real-life purposes

• Conduct research

• Think critically about information

• Reflect on your own learning

• Develop teamwork and leadership skills 

In short, it helps you become a stronger communicator.

What Goes into the SBA Portfolio?

Your portfolio has five main components. They have been outlined below.

Plan of Investigation (Group – 10 marks)

This is the only group-marked section.

It is a short introduction (125–150 words) that explains:

• Why your group chose the topic

• Each member’s sub-topic

• Why you chose your sub-topic

• How you will collect information

• How you will use that information in your presentation

• How the SBA will benefit your group 

Think of this as your project blueprint.

Reflection (Individual – 10 marks)

You must collect three artefacts related to your sub-topic.

Examples:

• Newspaper article

• Poem

• Short story

• Blog post

• Video transcript

• Audio clip

At least one must be print, and all must show clear language techniques (such as metaphors, imagery, statistics, facts, expert opinion, dialogue, bullet points or subheadings). 

You will write two reflections (150–200 words each):

Reflection 1

This will focus on how the artefacts shaped your thinking, specifically:

• What you knew before

• What each artefact was about

• What you learned

• How your perspective changed

Reflection 2

Analysis of language techniques:

• Identify at least one technique per artefact

• Give an example

• Comment on its effectiveness

NOTE: These reflections are written in class under supervision.

Writing Task (Individual – 15 marks)

This section has two parts:

(a) Writing Plan – 5 marks

A short outline (40–50 words) showing how you plan to structure your writing. 

(b) Original Writing – 10 marks

You must write 250–400 words based on your sub-topic.

You can choose from:

• Narrative writing (short story, monologue, spoken word)

• Informative writing (cause and effect, problem and solution, etc.)

• Persuasive writing (speech, letter to the editor)

• Drama 

This must be completely original.

Oral Presentation (Individual – 20 marks)

This is worth the most marks.

You must deliver a 3–5 minute presentation in mostly Standard English. 

It can be:

• Poetry

• Prose

• Speech

• Persuasion

• Exposition

A written transcript must also be included in your portfolio.

Bibliography (5 marks)

You must list all your sources using APA format. This shows academic honesty and organisation.

Who Is Responsible for What?

The SBA is a shared responsibility.

• You (Individual): Manage your portfolio and analyse your texts.

• The Group: Work together on the general topic.

• The Teacher: Approves topics and ensures authenticity. 

NOTE: Plagiarism is penalised, so your work must be your own.

A Simple Way to Think About the SBA

Think of it as four phases:

Phase 1: Foundation

• Form group

• Choose topic

• Complete Plan of Investigation.

Phase 2: Research & Reflection

• Collect artefacts

• Write reflections

Phase 3: Creative & Oral Work

• Complete writing task

• Prepare oral presentation

Phase 4: Final Checks

• Add bibliography

• Edit grammar and spelling

• Review with teacher 

Final Thoughts

The SBA may look complicated at first, but when you break it into parts, it becomes manageable.

• Stay organised.
• Meet deadlines.
• Choose a topic you actually care about.

And most importantly - treat it as an opportunity to develop skills you will use beyond the CSEC exam.

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