KUCCPS Advocates for Early Career Assessments in Junior Schools

KUCCPS Advocates for Early Career Assessments in Junior Schools

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has put forward a proposal recommending the introduction of career assessments at the junior school level. The objective is to guide learners in making informed academic and professional decisions from an early age.

During the second annual Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) symposium held on Wednesday, April 23, Professor John Oluoch, the Director of Placement and Career Development at KUCCPS, highlighted the importance of timing in career assessments.

He explained that early assessments would allow learners to strategically plan their academic journey by selecting subjects aligned with their career aspirations.

Professor Oluoch pointed out that junior school is a critical stage in shaping learners’ ambitions and that evaluations conducted at this point can refine their focus and enhance planning.

He added that the effective integration of assessment tools could enable educators to support students in identifying appropriate senior school options and career pathways based on their individual strengths and interests.

Echoing his remarks, Central Careers Chief Executive Officer Joseph Muraya also stressed the significance of conducting assessments before students commit to specific career tracks. He argued that early guidance would likely increase learners’ chances of career satisfaction and success, as it would align their choices with their capabilities and preferences.

Muraya encouraged the Ministry of Education to intensify its efforts in raising awareness and providing education about career pathways and placement requirements. He explained that learners who participate in personality and career tests are better positioned to secure fulfilling roles, thanks to a clearer understanding of their strengths and interests.

Read Also: President Ruto Urged to Send More Teachers to China

Under the CBC framework, learners entering senior secondary school are required to select from three academic pathways tailored to different career goals. These include Arts and Sports, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), each offering a distinct set of subjects.

Notably, mathematics will only be mandatory for those pursuing the STEM pathway, a change that has sparked debate nationwide. Education experts have expressed concerns over the long-term consequences this differentiation might have on students’ futures.

However, the system allows students to opt for up to two pathways, which could enhance their flexibility and expand career opportunities.

KUCCPS Advocates for Early Career Assessments in Junior Schools.

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].