Big Shift in Education: Mathematics Dropped as Core Subject for Senior School Students

Big Shift in Education: Mathematics Dropped as Core Subject for Seniors and Focus on This Subject

Kenya’s educational leaders have come to a consensus that Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for senior secondary school students. This conclusion was declared during the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Annual Symposium that took place in Nairobi.

KNEC Chairman Prof. Julius Nyabundi stated that students will acquire sufficient math skills by the time they finish junior secondary school. “By Grade 9, learners will possess the arithmetic they require for daily life,” he clarified.

Statistics indicate that a majority of students excel in primary school Maths assessments but face difficulties in secondary school. In 2022, over 80% of Class 8 candidates succeeded in Maths. Nevertheless, just 17. 46% performed well in KCSE, which is Kenya’s final high school examination.

KNEC Deputy Director Andrew Otieno mentioned that the poor outcomes are not a result of the curriculum but rather the method of testing Maths. He posits that making Maths optional will advantage students who excel in the arts and humanities.

In place of Maths, the Ministry of Education asserts that English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education will be mandatory. These subjects are designed to cultivate responsible, healthy, and patriotic citizens.

Nonetheless, approximately 60% of students are still anticipated to take Maths in senior school, particularly those pursuing the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) pathway.

Experts from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development have also commended the new strategy. They stated that it advocates a more equitable education system that aligns with students’ strengths and interests.

This modification aims to enhance academic achievement and lessen stress, providing students with the liberty to select subjects that correspond with their future professions.