Pertaining to the new grading system, only 2 compulsory subjects and any other 5 best-performed subjects count when it comes to computation of KCSE mean grade for Form Four candidates – Mathematics for numeracy then, English or Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language for literacy.
Ideally, the old grading system also focused on 7 subjects in computation of the KCSE mean grade albeit, there were 5 compulsory subjects — Mathematics, English, Kiswahili and 2 Sciences.
As a career counsellor, my nation-wide observation is this: the new grading system is making some students to toy with Sciences. Some are picking only one Science, while oblivious that their attitude of finitude towards Sciences may dent their career options in future.
No wonder, when they are selecting subjects in lower forms, we should make them understand, there is a new grading system, but cluster requirements for courses is as it was before.
On cluster requirements, I mean, there are 4 key subjects required for a particular course: (12×4=48). Universities have different cluster requirements for courses. It is higher in city-based campuses due to high demand. Meaning, more students express intense interest to study in those universities.
As I sit to weave these words while speaking in a school in Kilifi County, advisedly, I have just apprised learners here: they will not matriculate into universities simply because they have met the cut-off point — C+ (plus) of 46 points. KUCCPS will place them in courses of choice only after meeting cluster requirements. Largely, compulsory subjects and Sciences are the nub of most clusters. Humanities and Technical subjects are complementary.
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Let me augment the argument. Think of Medicine — a glamour-tinged course. Students dreaming of pursuing it should read and excel in Biology, Chemistry, English or Kiswahili and Mathematics or Physics. So, for medicine, and other related careers like Nursing, students must evince excellence in Sciences.
Conversely, in any Engineering course, Mathematics and Physics are stand-alone. Then, a branch of Engineering such as Chemical or Industrial Engineering require Chemistry as a Science. English or Kiswahili as languages will count. In addition, some Agriculture courses require Biology.
Moreover, in order to pursue a business course like Accounting, any Technical subject can count. It must not be Business Studies. More importantly, the student must score at least a C+ (plus) in Mathematics.
Finally, the two languages — English and Kiswahili — are important. It is wrong for a student to give up in English because after all there is Kiswahili. Like in Law, KUCCPS says that the student should excel in English — at least a B (plain), Mathematics, a Science (e.g. Biology) and best Humanity (CRE or History and Government). A career like Journalism that abut on communication ability, may require a student to show some shine and sheen in either English or Kiswahili. Albeit, when it comes to its practice, proficiency in both English and Kiswahili; including mother-tongue is the real deal.
The writer is a career counsellor in schools. vochieng.90@gmail.com.
© Victor Ochieng’
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