Candidates show optimism at the end of KCPE and KPSEA exams

Butere,

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

KNA by John Ochanda

Some of the candidates in Butere Sub County Kakamega County showed great relief today after finishing their Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination (KCPE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) national tests.

Most of the students in Butere Primary School were optimistic that they would pass the exams as they had revised intensively.

“We had revised with our teachers and therefore we are optimistic that we will perform well due to our determination and hard work,” said a jovial Josephine Ayuka from Butere Primary School.

Ayuka who sat for her KCPE said it has been a tough journey but with unwavering support from their teachers and parents, they have high expectations of passing the exams.

The testing of learners in primary schools under the old KCPE examination will be a thing of the past and as of now, KPSEA will take over as the 8-4-4 system is done away with.

According to Education officials, a total of 1.2 million candidates are sitting for KPSEA while 1.42 million are sitting for the last KCPE.

KPSEA, designed for Grade 6 students under the new Competency-Based Curriculum framework, is now in its second year. 

According to recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, the CBC curriculum should not be replaced but learners’ progress should be observed and feedback given to the stakeholders.

Today was the final day to assess candidates in arts and crafts, Music, and Religious Education in the Creative Art and Social Studies subject.

KCPE exams accounted for the final score in primary school but under KPSEA, the score will be a combination of class-based assessment and the final KPSEA score.

Moving from primary to junior school will be automatic regardless of the candidate's score in the KPSEA. 

This approach aims to support the development and growth of young learners without the pressure of achieving top scores.

The candidates will still tackle multiple-choice questions to test their ability to identify the correct answers.

Courtesy; KNA