Kabale– Secondary school heads in Greater Kabale have voiced concerns over the implementation of the new abridged A-Level curriculum, citing insufficient teacher orientation and retooling.
A survey conducted across various schools in Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga—including Bubare Secondary School, Hornby High School, Kigezi High School, St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, Kabale Secondary School, and Kigezi College Butobere—revealed that the implementation of the curriculum still has gaps, underscoring the need for comprehensive teacher training.
Kamwesiga Pamela, the Director of Studies at Kigezi College Butobere, emphasized the challenges teachers face in adapting to the curriculum. She noted that many educators have only taught A-Level subjects under the previous curriculum and have not had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the changes. Kamwesiga stressed the urgent need for teacher training and the provision of textbooks specifically designed for the new syllabus.
“We require textbooks that align with the new curriculum. The government must step in to provide these essential resources to ensure effective implementation,” she urged.
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Meanwhile, Amon Mwesigye Byaruhanga, headteacher of Kabale Secondary School, revealed that the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) had initially assured educators that the curriculum would not change. However, he expressed concern that certain aspects had indeed been altered, creating uncertainty regarding the number of examination papers per subject.
“This lack of clarity makes it difficult for teachers to prepare students adequately. We need clear and detailed communication from the NCDC on the number and format of examination papers to ensure proper teaching and preparation,” Byaruhanga stated.
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George Aturebiire Tumusiime, headteacher of Hornby High School, noted that while the abridged curriculum is not entirely new to students, teachers require refresher courses to enhance their understanding of the revised methodologies. He maintained that while the curriculum changes were minimal, structured training sessions would enable educators to implement them effectively.
Akampurira Abraham, headteacher of Kigezi High School, highlighted the infrastructural challenges arising from increased student reliance on libraries and digital tools. He emphasized the need for expanded facilities and resources to accommodate all learners adequately.
“We need improved infrastructure and access to learning materials to facilitate effective education under the new curriculum,” he stated, urging the government to retool teachers to equip them with the necessary skills for the transition.
CUE IN VOXPOP ON RETOOLING
On a more optimistic note, Amos Ahimbisibwe, headteacher of Bubare Secondary School, mentioned that his school is actively engaging with the NCDC and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) for orientation on the new system. However, he acknowledged that teachers are still struggling to adapt to the changes.
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The concerns raised by school heads across Greater Kabale highlight the urgent need for teacher training, clear communication from the NCDC, and improved learning infrastructure to facilitate a smooth transition to the abridged A-Level curriculum.
