Samuel Siringi
10 November 2009
Nairobi — Secondary school heads have opposed a new government order that could lock out thousands of students from pursuing simpler subjects introduced this year. The schools have to decide whether their students will pursue either of the two options, something the headteachers say would defeat the purpose of introducing the simpler subjects.
The new mathematics and science subjects are to be tested in national examinations for the first time in 2010 and are called Alternative B subjects.
In a circular sent out last month, the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) says each school will be allowed to register students in only one of the two categories. It means all candidates from one school will choose either the alternative A or B of the subjects.
Council secretary Paul Wasanga said no school would be allowed to register some candidates for option A and others for option B.
On Tuesday, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman Cleophas Tirop asked the government to reconsider the position and allow schools to allow students to pursue any of the two alternatives.
Mr Tirop also said the government order had come late because Form Three students selected their subjects early this year.
"We do not know how to force the students to change their course after pursuing the subjects for the whole year," he said.
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