Summary:
A survey conducted across schools in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts revealed significant gaps in the implementation of the curriculum, underscoring the urgent need for teacher training.
KABALE: Secondary school heads in Greater Kabale District have raised concerns over the implementation of the new abridged A-Level curriculum, citing inadequate teacher orientation, lack of essential materials, and insufficient retooling.
A survey conducted across schools in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga Districts revealed significant gaps in the implementation of the curriculum, underscoring the urgent need for teacher training.
Pamela Kamwesiga, the Director of Studies at Kigezi College Butobere, highlighted the challenges teachers face in adapting to the new curriculum. She noted that many educators have only taught traditional A-Level subjects and have not had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the changes.
Kamwesiga emphasized the necessity of textbooks specifically designed for the new curriculum and appealed to the government to provide these essential resources to facilitate effective implementation.
CUE IN KAMWESIGA……ON TEXTBOOKS…….RR/ENG//
Amon Mwesigye Byaruhanga, head teacher of Kabale Secondary School, revealed that the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) had initially assured educators that the curriculum would remain unchanged.
However, he expressed concern that certain modifications have been made, particularly regarding the number of examination papers per subject.
He stated that this uncertainty hampers teachers’ ability to prepare students effectively and urged the NCDC to provide clear and detailed communication on the structure of examinations to ensure adequate preparation.
CUE IN BYARUHANGA…..ON NCD……..RR//
George Aturebiire Tumusiime, head teacher of Hornby High School, argued that the abridged curriculum is not entirely new to learners. He stated that his school was prepared for the changes, adding that only minor adjustments had been made, particularly in subject content.
While he acknowledged the need for refresher courses and retooling sessions, he maintained that these modifications were manageable and could be smoothly integrated into teaching and learning processes.
Abraham Akampurira, head teacher of Kigezi High School, pointed out that overcrowding in libraries and computer labs has become a challenge due to the high number of students seeking access. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and additional resources to ensure all students can effectively utilize learning materials and digital tools.
Akampurira also called on the government to provide training for teachers on new teaching methodologies to enhance the implementation of the curriculum.
CUE IN VOXPOP…….ON RETOOLING……ENG//
Meanwhile, Amos Ahimbisibwe, head teacher of Bubare Secondary School, noted that his school is in close contact with the NCDC and the Uganda National Examinations Board for orientation on the new curriculum. However, he acknowledged that adapting to the new system remains a challenge for teachers.
CUE IN AHIMBISIBWE…..ON TEACHERS…..RR/ENG//
