Monday, January 2, 2012

Schools gear up for major changes as the new term begins



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Parents buy school uniforms at Uniforms Limited along River road in Nairobi. Most schools open on January 03, 2012 for the first term.
Parents buy school uniforms at Uniforms Limited along River road in Nairobi. Most schools open on January 03, 2012 for the first term.  
By BENJAMIN MUINDI bmuindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, January 1  2012 at  22:00
IN SUMMARY
  • Ongeri plans to keep learners in class longer for bigger part of the year and send non-candidates on a long holiday in October
Schools open on Tuesday for the first term of a year in which major changes in education are expected.
The first will be a review of the school calendar to have longer first and second terms of 16 and 15 weeks, respectively.
Third term will be eight weeks long “to ensure peace and calm during the exam period in October and November.”
In a circular to be sent to schools on January 13, Education minister Sam Ongeri says: “Holidays for the first and second terms will be shorter and exams will be from October 19 when schools are closed.” (READ: New term dates suggested to allow learners peaceful exams)
Criticised the idea
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Traditionally, a term has been 13 weeks long.
Although the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association on Sunday welcomed the exam period, it criticised the idea of longer terms.
Chairman Cleophas Tirop said administering an exam during term time was a nightmare.
Knut also rejected longer terms, saying students would lose focus.
“The concentration of students cannot be stretched beyond limits as learning will become boring and too academic-oriented,” Knut secretary-general David Okuta said.
He said some teachers took advantage of the school holidays to further their education and this would disrupt their studies.
“Teachers must enhance their qualifications to deliver quality education,” he said.
Prof Ongeri said those opposed to the changes should send their objections to Education Secretary George Godia.
Meanwhile, schools have increased fees for the new term.
Mr Tirop said this was a result of high prices of goods.
He said fees had gone up by 20 per cent.
“Schools are not insulated from the economic hardships and the increases are justified,” he said.
Mr Tirop said the decision was endorsed by parent-teachers associations at schools’ annual general meetings.
Prof Godia has said schools can only pass such a resolution if more than 80 per cent of parents agreed.
Last year, the Education ministry said it would announce a new fee structure this month.

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