KUPPET Rejects Govt’s Proposal to Make Mathematics Optional in Senior Schools

KUPPET Rejects Govt’s Proposal to Make Mathematics Optional in Senior Schools.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has expressed strong disapproval of the government’s suggestion to make Mathematics an optional subject at the senior secondary level, warning that this move could negatively affect the nation’s workforce development and the quality of education.

“KUPPET rejects the government’s proposal to make Mathematics an optional subject at the senior school level,” KUPPET’s Acting Secretary General, Moses Nthurima stated.

This opposition follows the Ministry of Education’s recent announcement that Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for students in senior secondary schools under the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). This marks a significant departure from the previously phased-out 8-4-4 education system.

Under the CBC framework, students are required to take four core subjects: English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning. In addition, they will select three other subjects from a list of 38 options, leaving Mathematics as an optional choice.

However, KUPPET’s Acting Secretary General, Moses Nthurima, has emphasized that Mathematics is a fundamental subject with wide applications in various fields, including humanities, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). He believes that making Mathematics optional would harm the academic and professional prospects of students in the long run.

Read Also: TSC Promotes 25,000 Teachers as Principals Allege Regional Discrimination

“Maths is an essential subject for building a competent workforce for the 21st Century. Indeed, Maths also has a wide application in the learning of all other areas including humanities, sports and of course STEM.”

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Nthurima firmly rejected the government’s proposal, asserting that Mathematics is essential for equipping students with the skills needed to build a competent workforce for the 21st century. He further stressed that Mathematics plays a crucial role in the learning of other subjects and disciplines.

KUPPET Rejects Govt’s Proposal to Make Mathematics Optional in Senior Schools.

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