Over the past decade, as the Cambridge curriculum and CBC curriculum continued to gain popularity, the number of schools and institutions offering this locally and internationally recognized education pathway mushroomed across the country. However, as many parents who wanted to ensure their child received the best possible education came to realize, not all schools are equally equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.
Unfortunately, it is therefore not unusual for students and parents to arrive late in their school journey only to find out that they are not ready whatsoever for their final exams, despite having performed adequately before.
That is because the Cambridge curriculum has unique requirements and logistics which, if not properly understood, supported and implemented, can leave students significantly in the lurch.
We therefore encourage parents to ensure they have done their due diligence checks before enrolling their child at a school, to ensure the student is able to complete their schooling successfully and with as little additional pressure as possible.
When selecting a school, It is crucial to verify that it holds accreditation from Cambridge Assessment International Education. This accreditation ensures that the school undergoes regular inspections and adheres to specific quality standards. Additionally, it’s important to confirm that the school’s qualifications are recognized by local and international universities, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of higher education opportunities here and abroad.
When evaluating a school, it is vital to assess the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff. Educators should have specialized training in the Cambridge curriculum and a proven history of effectively supporting students through it. Additionally, seek out schools that offer continuous professional development for their teachers, to ensure they remain current with the latest educational methodologies.
To determine a school’s approach to delivering the curriculum, it is essential to look for a balanced method that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical application. This means that while students are learning the fundamental concepts and theories, they are also given opportunities to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, through activities like experiments, projects, and hands-on learning experiences. This approach helps students to better understand and retain information, making their education more meaningful and engaging.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the school provides ample support for students. This can include tutoring services for those who need extra help with their studies, mentoring programmes to guide students through their academic journey, and access to resources such as well-equipped libraries and modern laboratories. These resources can significantly enhance the learning experience, providing students with the tools they need to succeed academically and develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying.
Examine the school’s past performance, and speak to past and current students and parents. Consistently high pass rates and top grades are strong indicators that the school effectively delivers the curriculum and supports student achievement. This data can provide valuable insights into the quality of education and the effectiveness of teaching methods employed by the school. This applies not only to the top achievers, but also the students who are supported to perform to the best of their ability to improve their grades.
Additionally, take into account the achievements of the school’s alumni. Investigate how former students have fared in higher education and their subsequent career paths. Successful alumni who have gained admission to prestigious universities and excelled in their professional lives reflect positively on the school’s long-term impact. This information can help parents gauge the school’s ability to prepare students not just for exams, but for future academic and career success.
By Amanda Birkenstock, Executive Principal: Crawford International School Kenya
