The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has just dropped some exciting news for senior secondary school pupils. They have unveiled three fantastic areas of expertise to enhance the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and make the education journey even more engaging and fulfilling for our students. Let’s dive into the details and see what these specialisation areas have in store for our future leaders!
The Three Pathways
The three areas of specialisation are Arts and Sport Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Each pathway opens up a world of possibilities for our students and allows them to explore their passions and talents to the fullest.
The STEM pathway is perfect for those interested in technical and engineering professions, career and technology studies, as well as pure and applied sciences. It’s a gateway to the exciting world of innovation and discovery, where students can unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills.
For those who have a flair for understanding society, cultures, and human behavior, the Social Sciences pathway is the ideal choice. It offers a deeper understanding of various subjects like history, geography, economics, and sociology, empowering students to make informed decisions that can shape our world.
Lastly, the Arts and Sport Science pathway is a haven for the creatively inclined and sports enthusiasts. Here, students can explore various artistic expressions, including music, drama, dance, and visual arts. It also celebrates the importance of physical activity and sportsmanship, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Preparing for the Future
The nation is gearing up to bid farewell to the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) by November 2023. With this significant transition, the education landscape is undergoing a transformation to better align with the evolving needs of our students.
School administrators are already ahead of the game, making plans to adapt to these changes and be fully prepared by 2026. While stakeholders advise national schools to offer all three pathways, KICD encourages each school to provide at least two of them to cater to diverse student interests and aspirations.
According to Mr. Kahi Indimuli, Chairman of Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), schools should aim for 60% of students in the STEM pathway, 25% in social sciences, and the remaining students in the arts. This distribution ensures a balance and allows students to pursue their passions with adequate support.
Preparations and Beyond
As schools gear up for the first batch of senior secondary school students who will register in 2026, KICD encourages them to restructure departments and classrooms according to the chosen pathways. This will create an environment conducive to nurturing talent and unleashing creativity.
Not only will academic staff be assessed, but there will also be staff capacity building based on the selected pathways. This ensures that our dedicated educators are well-equipped to guide and inspire students on their educational journey.
Other Exciting Developments
In addition to this groundbreaking announcement, other decisions were made during the KESSHA meeting. The government plans to hire 25,000 more teachers, reinforcing its commitment to providing quality education for all. Furthermore, the distribution of capitation money in the ratios of 50:30:20 for the first, second, and third terms was also agreed upon, ensuring that schools have the resources they need throughout the academic year.
With a substantial budget of Ksh628.6 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education in the 2023–24 budget, we can expect significant improvements and opportunities for our students and educators alike.