Four Nakuru schools selected as model centres to promote sciences

Four schools in Nakuru County are set to be transformed into model centres for promotion of science related subjects across the devolved unit.

The Ministry of Education’s Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) indicated that Keriko, Njoro Day, Larmudiac and Mau Narok Secondary Schools all within Njoro Sub-County will benefit from the initiative.

The Centre’s Coordinator for special programmes and student learning Beatrice Macharia said Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) model schools will inspire learners to excel in science and mathematics through programs, policies and processes within and outside classrooms.

Improve performance

She said CEMASTEA had rolled out an outreach program where it was visiting schools and showcasing innovations that can be used to improve performance of students in Stem subjects and enhancing efficiency of teachers.

“Our strategy is to make a school Stem-focused through improving the relationship between teachers and students, offering specialised curricula, linking students to institutions of higher learning and offering related courses. We are identifying gaps which we will address while training teachers,” said Macharia.

Macharia who spoke at Keriko Secondary School said the CEMASTEA school outreach program is anchored on three pillars: learners, teachers and the school environment. For the learner, the focus is on motivation, engagement in the subjects, confidence and achievement while with regard to the teacher emphasis is being placed on improved conceptual knowledge in STEM.

Good practices

On school improvement, the focus is on creating a positive STEM ecosystem in facilitating good practices among teachers and in enhancing retention and continuity of female students in STEM subjects.

The outreach program proposes to complement existing STEM strategies in schools to enable students to be reflective learners, able to accrue the desired outcomes, transition through STEM subjects and where possible transition into STEM related careers. “The key emphasis is on ensuring STEM teaching and learning is student-centreds,” the coordinator noted.