In three years’ time, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will be phased out. This will mark over 40 years of 8:4:4 system of education. For these 40 years, KCSE was the determinant of success after high school. If anybody failed KCSE, he or she risked becoming statistics. So unfortunate that a three-week examination judges and condemns an 18-year-old who has not even started life.
KCSE is regarded as one of the most important academic assessments in Kenya. It marks the culmination of a student’s four years of secondary education and is often seen as the defining factor for university admissions and career paths. However, the question remains: Is the examination truly a sufficient yardstick for measuring the full breadth of a student’s high school experience?
While the KCSE serves as a standardized way to evaluate academic performance, it is often criticized for being a narrow measure of success. Success in life and the world of work requires much more than just academic proficiency. High school is a time for holistic development, where students should cultivate not only intellectual skills but also emotional, social, and practical abilities. In this article, we explore the various dimensions of high school success that the KCSE examination fails to adequately measure.
Character development
Character is one of the most crucial aspects of a student’s growth during high school, but it is completely overlooked by the KCSE examination. Qualities such as honesty, perseverance, empathy, and resilience are essential for success in life. Schools play an important role in nurturing these traits through everyday interactions, moral education, and by setting a good example through mentorship and guidance.
While a student may excel academically, their ability to handle stress, work in a team, or make ethical decisions is not measured by the KCSE. Yet, these are some of the most vital attributes in both personal and professional settings. In real-world scenarios, it is often character and integrity that determine long-term success, as employers, institutions, and society at large tend to value trustworthy individuals who can navigate challenges with poise.
Leadership and responsibility
Throughout their high school journey, students often take on leadership roles, whether as prefects, class representatives, club officials, or in organizing school events. These opportunities build essential leadership and organizational skills, teaching students how to manage responsibilities, lead teams, and make critical decisions under pressure.
However, the KCSE examination focuses solely on academic knowledge and does not capture a student’s leadership potential or ability to contribute positively to society. For example, a student who has successfully led a school project or initiative may demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, but their exam results will not reflect these accomplishments. Leadership is a key skill in the workplace and in life, and it is unfortunate that it remains unaccounted for in a system that heavily influences future opportunities.
Extracurricular activities and talents
Extracurricular activities are often the spaces where students discover and develop their unique talents and passions. Whether it’s drama, music, debate, journalism, or community service, these activities are crucial for nurturing well-rounded individuals. Participation in these areas helps students develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and creativity. Moreover, they offer an avenue for students to explore potential career paths that may not be academic in nature.
Unfortunately, none of this is considered in the KCSE grading system. A student who may have excelled in drama, sports, or community service gets no recognition for their accomplishments in these areas when it comes to national exams. Yet, many successful careers and contributions to society come from individuals who developed their talents and interests outside the classroom.
Sports and physical education
Physical health and sports are an essential part of a student’s development. Schools encourage participation in sports not only for physical well-being but also for developing discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Athletes often learn how to set goals, handle both victory and defeat, and manage their time effectively.
However, sports are not considered in the KCSE. There are no points awarded for being an exceptional athlete or for contributing to the school’s sports team. This lack of acknowledgment can discourage students from investing time in activities that promote physical health and well-being, despite their vital role in creating balanced individuals who understand the value of health, teamwork, and perseverance.
Social skills and emotional intelligence
Navigating social relationships and developing emotional intelligence is a major aspect of a student’s high school experience. How students interact with their peers, teachers, and the community shapes their ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful relationships in life. Emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions, as well as those of others—is becoming increasingly recognized as a key factor in both personal and professional success.
Yet, emotional intelligence is not measured by the KCSE. A student might possess exceptional emotional maturity and the ability to manage complex social situations, but the exam does not capture or reward this skill. In the workforce, however, employers value emotionally intelligent employees who can collaborate effectively and maintain positive working relationships.
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Innovation and problem-solving skills
In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation and creative problem-solving are highly valued skills. Students who think critically, approach problems with creative solutions, and demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit are often the ones who drive change in society. Unfortunately, the KCSE examination primarily tests students on their ability to recall information, rather than their ability to innovate or think outside the box.
Practical projects, research, and innovation challenges that some students undertake during their high school years often go unnoticed in the national exam results. A student might have developed a groundbreaking project or initiated a community improvement plan, but these achievements do not contribute to their KCSE score. In contrast, real-world success often hinges on the ability to innovate and adapt.
While the KCSE examination remains an important measure of academic achievement, it is far from sufficient in capturing the full scope of a student’s high school success. Education should be about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the complexities of life beyond the classroom. Success in high school is not just about passing exams; it is about developing character, leadership, talents, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills.
A more comprehensive approach to assessing students would recognize these other dimensions of growth, ensuring that students are not solely judged by their exam results, but by the full range of skills and qualities they bring to the table. As the world evolves, so too should our methods of evaluating success, moving beyond grades to encompass the true essence of personal and intellectual development.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
The writer teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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