KICD Race Against Time to Scrap CBC Subjects
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is in a race against time to implement the recommendation of the education reform task force to reduce the number of subjects in pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary institutions (JSS).
Currently, 7th grade learners take 12 mandatory subjects and a maximum of two electives. However, the Presidential Working Group on Education Reforms (PWPER) suggested reducing this number to eight.
English, mathematics, and pre-technical studies are three of the twelve essential subjects. Kiswahili/Kenyan Sign Language; Integrated Science; Social Studies; Business Studies; Agriculture; and (Islamic, Hindu, or Christian) Religious Education, Health education, athletics and physical education, and life skills are additional subjects.
Charles Ong’ondo, the chief executive officer of KICD, stated that the organization has until the end of August to rationalize subjects from pre-primary to JSS.
Professor Ong’ondo reflected on the pivotal question surrounding the continuation of the competency-based curriculum (CBC).
Integral aspects such as parental involvement and the extensive array of learning areas were deliberated upon. He acknowledged that parents often felt overwhelmed due to the numerous learning areas and their associated demands.
Regarding public sentiment, Prof. Ong’ondo highlighted that approximately 90% of Kenyans conveyed their preference for the CBC to persist, albeit with consideration for addressing certain gaps.
The task force recognized the necessity to streamline some of the learning areas, a process he characterized as “rationalization” rather than outright reduction. Specific numerical guidelines were provided, contributing essential clarity to this endeavor.
Prof. Ong’ondo conveyed the assurance that rationalizing the learning areas was both feasible and practical. He disclosed that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) had initiated discussions concerning the learning areas subject to these changes.
The approach centered on identifying learning areas sharing common strands and sub-strands, enabling the amalgamation of content to optimize learning efficiency.
This strategy aimed to ensure learners still acquired the essential skills and competencies without an overwhelming proliferation of learning areas.
There are presently five learning areas in pre-primary that will not change. There are approximately nine learning areas in lower primary, which will be reduced to seven.
The number of learning domains in upper elementary will be reduced from ten to eight. Subjects will be reduced from 14 to 9 at the JSS level.
“We will now ensure that learners in the Junior Secondary School (JSS) have eight essential learning areas and only one elective.
Prof. Ongondo stated, “We are already working on this, and we anticipate that by September we will be able to provide direction to the Ministry of Education.”
English, mathematics, Kiswahili, integrated science, social studies, religious education (Islamic, Hindu, or Christian), pre-technical studies, and agriculture will remain primary subjects in JSS.
The ninth subject will be selected from the arts (visual and performing arts), applied sciences (home economics, computer studies, or business studies), and foreign languages.
Professor Ong’ondo provided assurance to the nation, emphasizing that there would be no losses incurred.
He highlighted the term employed by the presidential working group, stating that the process underway is a rationalization aimed at upholding the principles of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Simultaneously, the objective is to address the concerns surrounding the potential imposition of financial burdens on parents.
Education stakeholders, including the National Parents Association, have applauded the reevaluation of learning areas, stating that the move will alleviate the workload of students.
According to Charles Ochome, the chairman of the Kenya Private Schools Association, the arrangement is beneficial for all parties involved.
He explained that this setup creates a mutually advantageous situation where students have fewer responsibilities and varied assignments, while schools can ensure they have a sufficient number of teachers for these specific subjects.
Mr. Silas Obuhatsa, chairman of the National Parents Association, stated that once the recommendations are implemented, parents will be at peace.
KICD Race Against Time to Scrap CBC Subjects