Education PS Belio Kipsang Releases Grade 10 Transition Guidelines.
Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang has provided directives regarding the transition to Grade 10.
This transition marks a significant step in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which has been in progress for years.
Phases of Implementation
Dr. Kipsang outlined that the CBC initially started with PP1 and PP2, followed by its expansion to primary school. After six years, the first transition led to Junior School in 2013, where it has been operational for three years.
In January, the final transition within the basic education sector will occur, completing all required CBC cycles, including Early Childhood Development (ECD), primary, junior, and senior schools.
Once students complete basic education, they will have the opportunity to proceed to tertiary and university education, both locally and internationally.
This stage plays a crucial role in shaping their future careers and ensuring they become global citizens. The primary focus remains on adequately preparing students at the basic education level before handing them over to higher institutions for further specialization.
Addressing Transition Challenges
Reflecting on past challenges, Dr. Kipsang acknowledged the hurdles faced in 2022 while transitioning students to Junior School. However, following consultations and recommendations by the Presidential Working Party, key decisions were made, which have significantly stabilized the CBC implementation.
These decisions align with the findings from a professional engagement, a 2014 needs assessment, and pilot programs conducted in 2017 and 2018, culminating in the full rollout in 2019.
“Today’s discussions aim to engage with the public and create awareness about the guidelines that will facilitate the transition to Senior School.”
Dr. Kipsang reiterated that Grade 10 is a pivotal stage where students select their preferred academic and career pathways based on their competencies and interests.
Senior School Curriculum Under CBC
The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) employs a structured evaluation model, incorporating three components: 20% from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), 20% from school-based assessments in Grades 7 and 8, and 60% from a final assessment at the conclusion of Grade 9.
Learner placement into senior schools is determined by their KJSEA performance. The most outstanding students, specifically the top two performers of each gender in STEM per sub-county, are granted the opportunity to enroll in a boarding school of their choice.
Similarly, the leading male and female learners in both the Social Sciences and Arts and Sports Science tracks per sub-county secure placement in a preferred boarding institution.
To ensure fairness and inclusivity, a regulation is in place to limit the number of students from the same junior school to a maximum of five per boarding institution, fostering diversity and cultural exchange.
Career-Oriented Pathways and Subject Selection
A core principle of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is its focus on career-driven learning paths. Students can opt for one of three key streams: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; or Social Sciences.
The Ministry of Education projects that 60% of students will pursue STEM, 15% will follow Arts and Sports Science, and 25% will choose Social Sciences. Each pathway is meticulously crafted to align with students’ academic strengths and future career ambitions, equipping them with the necessary skills for higher education and the job market.
Senior school education, spanning Grades 10 to 12, requires students to undertake seven subjects. Four of these are mandatory: English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL), Community Service Learning, and Physical Education.
The remaining three subjects are chosen based on the learner’s selected pathway and track, allowing for specialization in their field of interest.
School Selection and Transition Process
As part of the transition to senior school, students must select 12 preferred institutions based on their chosen career pathways. The distribution of these choices includes seven schools aligned with their primary pathway and track, three for the second-choice pathway, and two for the third option.
Among these, nine are designated as boarding schools—four within the learner’s home county and five outside—while the remaining three are day schools located in their home sub-county or county of residence.
The Ministry has taken steps to support students with special needs by placing high-achieving candidates in institutions tailored to their unique requirements. These schools are equipped with the necessary resources to foster both academic and social growth, ensuring inclusivity in the education system.
Automated Admission and Grievance Redress System
To streamline the admission process and enhance efficiency, the Ministry has introduced an automated system. Learners can access their admission letters online using their assessment numbers, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.
Additionally, a grievance resolution mechanism has been set up to address placement concerns. Parents and students who are dissatisfied with the placement results are required to raise their concerns through the learner’s junior school headteacher.
The headteacher will then escalate the issue to the County Director of Education for review and resolution.
Infrastructure Developments
To accommodate the transition, the government had to ensure sufficient facilities for Grade 9 students. Previously, the education system ended at Class 8, and primary and junior schools were equipped accordingly. To bridge this gap, authorities constructed 16,000 new classrooms.
However, assessments indicated that some schools with lower enrollment required additional infrastructure. As a result, an additional 7,000 classrooms are planned, bringing the total to 22,000 by the end of the current academic period.
Additionally, many junior schools have established resource centers and laboratories, ensuring students have access to the necessary learning tools.
Dr. Kipsang emphasized that Junior School remains a key investment area, as it plays a critical role in preparing students for future academic pathways.
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Conclusion
The education sector anticipates a smooth transition to Grade 10, given the measures put in place. This stage serves as a gateway to senior secondary education, where students refine their interests and competencies, paving the way for their career choices.
As the transition progresses, the education ministry remains committed to ensuring the success of this significant milestone in the CBC implementation.
While addressing the public in Mombasa, Dr. Belio Kipsang emphasized the importance of the media in disseminating crucial information to ensure that Kenyans understand and appreciate the ongoing changes.
Education PS Belio Kipsang Releases Grade 10 Transition Guidelines.
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