In preparation for the upcoming shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), 109 secondary school principals from the Nairobi region have completed a vital three-day capacity-building workshop. The training, held at Buruburu Girls Secondary School, aimed to equip school heads with the leadership strategies and practical knowledge necessary for a smooth transition of Grade 9 learners into Senior Schools next year.
The workshop, organized by the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, focused on enhancing school leadership to effectively implement the CBC framework. Nancy Afandi, the Regional Director of Quality Assurance and Standards-Nairobi, emphasized the pivotal role principals play in this curriculum reform. She stressed that principals are not just administrators but “change agents” who are crucial to the success of CBC implementation.
The shift from the 8-4-4 system, which focused on content and exams, to the learner-centered, skills-oriented CBC necessitates a careful adaptation process. Principals were trained in various aspects of the Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF), STEM pathways, curriculum design, and strategies for managing the transition of learners into Senior School. The training also addressed the importance of mentorship, career guidance, and leveraging ICT in supporting the new educational structure.
Dr. Mary Sichangi from CEMASTEA highlighted the importance of aligning education with global job markets, urging school heads to guide students in exploring contemporary career opportunities in fields like robotics, cybersecurity, and digital media. The workshop also emphasized stakeholder collaboration, with principals noting that the success of CBC reforms relies on active involvement from teachers, parents, and the community.
In closing, principals expressed their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for learners, underscoring the significance of continuous professional development and proactive leadership in the implementation of CBC. The event left participants better prepared to lead their schools into this transformative phase of education.
