Why Do Pupils In The Same School Need Different Uniforms?
KEY POINTS
CBC has been misconceived to be a system that demands a lot in terms of cost. That is far from the truth. The demand by some schools that parents purchase unnecessary learning materials is not based on CBC.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
“There is a need to distinguish the Junior Secondary School section, as a result, a decision has been made that parents and management agree on the new uniforms for JSS learners. Because it is secondary, the uniform will not be the same,” said Machogu.
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is now in its fifth year of implementation with the first cohort of learners now in grade five. The parents are required by the schools to purchase new school uniforms and other necessities besides paying school fees for students joining the junior secondary school and form one
The issue of school uniforms has of late generated more heat than any other school requirement. Kenya’s new CBC is proving to be more and more expensive as learners move from one class to other. Many parents are concerned that they may not be able to fund the education of their children under the Competence Based Curriculum, CBC, which is too demanding and expensive.
The beginning of the academic year in Kenya always brings with it a heavy financial burden on parents of learners in basic education institutions, especially those whose children are in Junior Secondary School and form one.
CBC has been misconceived to be a system that demands a lot in terms of cost. That is far from the truth. The demand by some schools that parents purchase unnecessary learning materials is not based on CBC.
The curriculum designs provide suggested learning materials as per the context of the institutions. The Ministry of Education cleared the air on the school uniforms dilemma raised by parents and teachers of Grade 7 students.
In a press address on Monday 30th January, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said that Grade 7 pupils transitioning to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) will be required to wear a different color or type of uniform that will differentiate them from primary school pupils.
“There is a need to distinguish the Junior Secondary School section, as a result, a decision has been made that parents and management agree on the new uniforms for JSS learners. Because it is secondary, the uniform will not be the same,” said Machogu.
This means that even though the JSS students will be domiciled in their previous learning institutions, their school uniforms will differentiate them from the primary school learners.
Machogu added that after holding talks with parents and other stakeholders, the Board of Management of each school will come up with the new school uniform for JSS. He said that Parents will have to bear the responsibility of buying uniforms for their children.
In addition, Headteachers of private primary schools have called upon the government to facilitate learning of junior secondary in private schools. They have asked the government to provide public schools with adequate teachers and facilities.
Related Content: Junior Secondary School Crisis Worsens As KNUT Issues New Demands
