THE NEW LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The new lower secondary school curriculum is developed basing on the old curriculum whose aim is to enable learners to make informed decisions as citizens and family members to give them the learning skills they need to think critically and study efficiently.

It has been designed to allow learners to work individually and with others in practical and interactive activities that are related to theoretical concepts in this course. It is expected that learners will apply investigative and problem-solving skills, communicate information effectively and appreciate the contribution that the study of subjects making as they prepare for the challenges of the 21^st   century.

It enables learners to develop knowledge and skills that will help them to develop confidence in an increasingly technological world, thereby being able to develop an informed interest in the world of science.

The following aspects have been considered while developing the new curriculum; respect for human life, awareness of the importance of living in harmony with the environment, independent and critical thinking, the innovative application of what the learners have studied and technology in solving problems.

The learners are required to have developed relevant attitudes such as concern for occupancy and precision, objectivity, integrity and enquiry, innovative, inventiveness, innovation and creativity as well as cooperative to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences, justifications and limitations.

The learner in this new lower secondary school curriculum are required to raise 80% UCE UNEB papers, 10% project work done in groups and lastly 10% from the activities of integration.

The project work is considered as headache, stress and mind taking by the learners for it is done in groups where unity, time management, cooperation and critical thinking is required to make a n eye capturing and attention seeking project. The activities of integrations are done after every topic and covered in each subject for the four solid years, however, the learners say “they are easy as ABC compared to projects”.

Nevertheless, we need to come together as one to encourage and support the learners in every way to boost the new lower secondary school curriculum results to higher heights. United we stand, divided we fall.

By Nandutu Samantha Nice