Academic Transformation - Kenya

All Kenyan schools, including Mawewa, will gradually roll out a new competency-and-inquiry-based academic system over the next six years. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) says, “the new curriculum will give every child in Kenya an opportunity to thrive – and no child will be left behind….(The system) will meet the needs of the country by transforming society through human and economic development.”In the new system, “Classes and Forms” will change to “Grades.” Grades will be categorized into three groups: Early Years Education include Preschool - Grade 3, Middle School Education covers Grade 4 - 9, and Senior School, Grades 10 - 12. National exams (KCPE & KCSE) are expected to be phased out as the focus of the program turns to “equipping learners with skills rather than cramming for exams and reproducing facts.” Ouma Wanzala, Daily NationOver the past year, Mawewa Preschool was chosen to take part in a pilot testing the new curriculum; the pilot program is a first in Kenya. In May 2017, Phase 1 of the new system began nationwide for Preschool and Grades 1-3. It will be fully implemented throughout Kenya beginning January 2018. The earliest age of enrollment will be four years old, instead of the current three years of age. In 2019, Grades 4-6 are expected to transition. Grades 7, 8 & 9 are scheduled to convert in 2020.Grades 10-12 will transition between 2021-2023. The current plan for Senior High School is that students will choose one of three study pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Mathematics, English and Integrated Science will be required in all three pathways, as will Community Service Learning which teaches life skills, citizenship, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, research, and physical education.eduKenya prayerfully embraces this learner-focused curriculum. We ask God to guide the Ministry of Education and the KICD in hopes these academic transitions will prepare impoverished Kenyan students to transform their lives, break the chronic cycle of poverty, and enrich their communities.