End of term exams

 

We need money for end of term exams. As the Kenyan system is very different from the Norwegian one, we thought it would be interesting for sponsors to have an explanation as to how it works:

In Kenya, the education system is based on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBE), which focuses on developing a child’s individual talents, strengths, and academic abilities over time. From a very early age, children begin taking simple assessments that gradually increase in complexity as they grow. These are not meant to “fail” or discourage any child but to help teachers and parents understand each learner’s progress and abilities.

Children start assessments as soon as they can hold a pencil. In Playgroup (3–4 years), they color pictures, trace dots to form numbers and letters, and identify common objects. In Pre-Primary 1 (4–5 years), they begin reading simple sounds, numbers, and words, and doing basic addition or counting exercises. In Pre-Primary 2 (5–6 years), they progress to reading full sentences and doing addition and subtraction tasks.

These assessments happen twice per school term — mid-term and end-term — and results are recorded both by the school and the parents.

Under the CBE system, assessment results from early childhood through upper primary school are used to help determine each child’s learning pathway starting in Grade 7 (around age 12–13). The three main pathways are:

1. STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
2. Arts and Sports
3. Social Sciences

This helps guide students toward their areas of strength as they move into junior and senior secondary school. However, the system allows flexibility: when learners reach Grade 10 (ages 14–16), they can choose or adjust their pathway based on their ability and interests. ICT (Information and Computer Technology) is compulsory for all students at this stage.

The assessments are not about failure. Each child is considered unique and “abled differently.” The reports help teachers and parents track progress and identify support needs. Schools keep copies of all reports, and parents receive one too—these records are often required if a student transfers to another school.

Assessments are crucial for teachers to understand how students are performing academically and to ensure each learner’s record is complete.
Currently, the school needs 2,200 shillings to purchase the mid-term assessment tests, and 40 assessment books costing about 10,000 shillings in total (250 each). Without these resources, the children would miss the opportunity to sit for the term’s essential evaluations, which would also affect how well the school can document progress and plan future learning support.

Thanks to everyone who helps make these assessments possible — your contributions truly shape the children’s educational journey and future opportunities.