The Education Ministry’s change of heart on mathematics in senior schools is a major triumph for parents and teachers.
There has been a notable change in the mathematics curriculum for senior secondary schools, according to Julius Ogamba, the education cabinet secretary. An earlier decision allowing students to drop mathematics courses in accordance with their chosen course of study was overturned by the ministry.
Ogamba stated, “At the senior school level, mathematics will be mandatory throughout all three pathways.” STEM students will learn pure mathematics, whereas those in other pathways will learn less complex versions of the subject.
The news was released at the National Discussion on Competency-Based Curriculum on Thursday morning. The CS understood that the previous regulation, which made mathematics optional, had generated a lot of worry among instructors and parents.
The mathematics curriculum structure was redesigned through a partnership between KICD and ministry authorities. Students from the Arts, Sports Science, and Social Sciences routes will be guaranteed a quality mathematics education under the new model.
The previous CBC system divided senior secondary education into three distinct pathways. Students majoring in social sciences, arts, or sports science could choose to avoid math altogether. The ministry’s most recent math guideline was supported by Julius Bitok, the principal secretary.
The ministry will introduce differentiated mathematics curricula for different pathways, and he assured that every senior high school would implement the changes right away. Pure mathematics will continue to be required for STEM students, while other students will receive modified content.
Teachers responded positively to the ministry’s choice to maintain mathematics as a fundamental subject. The statement addressed increasing concerns that children may have gaps in their arithmetic abilities.
PS Bitok stressed the need for using mathematics to maintain educational standards. The ministry would help schools implement the revised curriculum.
Stakeholders were reassured about the ministry’s commitment to excellent education by CS Ogamba. The changes are meant to answer public concerns and raise Kenya’s educational standards. More overall problems with CBC implementation are still being handled by the Education Ministry.
The ministry committed additional funding to support the math program across all pathways, and school leaders were advised to make the necessary changes to their curriculum planning. Priority will continue to be given to initiatives for teacher training and infrastructure development.
